World Cup organisers on Tuesday revealed a plan to use so-called ”human barriers” to prevent pitch invasions at next month’s finals.
Last year’s Confederations Cup, also held in Germany, saw several matches interrupted by pitch invasions, and the organising committee wants to ensure there is no repeat at the World Cup.
Organisers said officials would be seated throughout the front rows of the World Cup stadiums to watch out for potential pitch invaders and inform security chiefs of suspicious characters.
Nine of the World Cup stadiums will have these special security rings, although the other three venues in Berlin, Leipzig and Gelsenkirchen will be spared the measure, with organisers confident there is enough security already in place.
Organisers are also trying to deter potential clothed or unclothed streakers — who run onto the pitch to advertise betting firms or sometimes just for a moment of fame — with a hefty fine for their actions.
Helmut Spahn, security official for the organising committee, said fines had already been discussed with football’s governing body Fifa.
”We have reached an agreement with Fifa to take into account how much money a pitch invader can cost in terms of advertising minutes and other factors,” said Spahn. ”We have come up with a six-figure sum.”
The 64-match World Cup begins on June 9 in Munich and ends a month later in Berlin. — AFP
