The decree, signed by the President and published on the Kremlin's website says athletes, coaches and other officials can enter and exit Russia simply by showing their accreditation to the event to customs officials as they enter the country. 

"Participants in international sporting competitions can enter and exit the Russian Federation without applying for visas on the basis of existing documents that confirm their identity and are accepted by the Russian Federation," a Kremlin statement said.

Russia is set to be at the centre of the sporting world over the next decade, hosting the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Sochi next year and the FIFA World Cup in 2018.

But they are just two of a number of big events that are scheduled to be held there in the next decade.

Russia is due to start a series of major events this year, starting with the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow next month. 

That is swiftly followed by the Summer Universiade in Kazan and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships in Moscow.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) already requires host countries to waive visa requirements for athletes and other accredited officials.

But today's decree broadens this for all major international sports events held in Russia, with the Government working out the details, including a list of events and whose eligible to attend.

Russia is already in the final stages on reaching an agreement wth the European Union on the liberalisation of visa regime, although a deal is thought unlikely by the time of Sochi 2014.

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