I personally know a few people who bought tickets to the FIFA would cup but did not attend matches, for the sole reason of going to Russia minus the red tape etc. From what I understand, the FIFA ID can easily be forged, and the delay was no doubt to verify authenticity. I am a holder of multiple visas over the years, my visa is always closely examined by the loupe, even though with computers etc, I can't imagine how one would enter with a forged one.
Personally I think the is VP attempt / try out to see what its like to open Russia's borders, clearly the guards are not used to it.
Word of caution : one needs a visa to enter and exit the Russian Federation. So you better have your FIFA ID ready, and contingency plan if you lose it.