English soccer hooligans barred from travelling to SA

British authorities on Tuesday outlined plans to prevent more than 3 000 individuals with a record of hooliganism at football matches from travelling to South Africa for the World Cup.

Under measures to be approved in parliament in the next few weeks, 3 200 individuals who are currently banned from football matches in England will have to surrender their passports for the duration of the month-long tournament, a spokesperson for the Home Office announced.

He added: “The behaviour of English fans has improved dramatically in recent years and there is nothing to suggest that people will travel with the intention of causing problems. However, there is no complacency.

“Police will monitor all England fans on departure and intercept any known to pose a risk of violence or disorder, and we are working closely with South African authorities to help minimise any safety and security risks associated with hosting a major football tournament.”—Sapa-AFP