Over 3,000 hooligans banned from World Cup

Troublemakers who are currently barred from watching matches will be prevented from going to the tournament this summer through measures passed in the Commons in the coming weeks, according to the Home Office.

The step will allow Home Secretary Alan Johnson to impose a "control period" on approximately 3,200 hooligans who are currently subject to banning orders, which prevent them from attending football matches in England and mean they have to surrender their passports to police before international matches.

But in order to apply the sanction for the month-long duration of the World Cup, Mr Johnson has to lay a statutory instrument before Parliament, a Home Office spokesman said.

The powers are part of an attempt to prevent England fans from being able to cause trouble at international events, he added.

"Football banning orders have proved highly effective in preventing known risk fans from travelling overseas to football matches," the spokesman said.

"There has been no significant violence at any England match or tournament played overseas since 2000 when the current football disorder strategy was introduced.

"The behaviour of English fans has improved dramatically in recent years and there is nothing to suggest that 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."

There were 3,752 arrests at matches in England and Wales last season – a fall of two per cent on the 2007-8 season.