If you’re interested in visiting one of Russia’s 11 host cities next summer to catch a live World Cup game, you might want to cross Ekaterinburg off the list after seeing what the city’s stadium has in store for soccer fans. The World Cup standards dictate that every venue for the global event accommodate at least 35,000 fans, which could exceed the existing accommodations in some smaller towns in host nations. However, Russia came up with a dubious solution to make its 27,000-seat Ekaterinburg Arena, originally built in 1957, compliant with the policy — which FIFA appears to have no qualms about.
Using a comical amount of temporary scaffolding, officials have placed additional seating not so much in the stadium, but near it with a some truly questionable sightlines for the on-field action. The two installments of bleachers on either end of the venue bring the seating capacity up to the governing body’s standards for World Cup venues.
The notoriously corrupt FIFA, clearly not as concerned about the safety or user experience of its fans when compared to the additional revenue generated by extra seats, tweeted out its tacit approval of the suspect retrofit, conveying that the venue looks “fire” using an emoji.
After seeing so many haunting images of abandoned and decrepit facilities in World Cup and Olympic host nations, repurposing existing infrastructure is an admirable goal, but the outcry over this ridiculous-looking solution was swift.
However, FIFA finds the temporary adaptation to be not only acceptable but virtuous, firing off another emoji, this one a “thumbs up” in response to a tweet that reads as a thinly-veiled criticism of the approach.
FIFA has offered more than emojis to approve of the bizarre solution. Speaking to The Guardian, a FIFA spokesperson offered, “In the case of Ekaterinburg, temporary seats are being installed in order to ensure that the renovation work would conserve the historical façade of the stadium and that maintenance costs are reduced after the Fifa World Cup. Inspection visits and detailed reports have shown that the temporary seats in the Ekaterinburg Arena fully comply with all safety and security requirements.”
The statement makes one wonder what exactly are the unknown safety and security requirements that would allow for this arrangement that appears to offer no accommodation for disabled fans and questionable structural integrity. Further, this is the view of the field bleacher-relegated fans will “enjoy”:
The stands are expected to be removed after hosting just four group games, returning the venue to its original seating capacity for its primary use as the home of Russian Premier League team FC Ural.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.