English hooligans banned from Greece

LONDON, England -- Hundreds of suspected English football hooligans have been banned from travelling to Greece for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier.

A British Home Office spokeswoman said more than 450 people have been given banning orders under UK laws aimed at preventing hooliganism at football matches.

The individuals -- who authorities fear may be intent on causing trouble -- were ordered by mail to hand in their passports at local police stations.

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It is the first large-scale use of new powers under the Football Disorder Act introduced after England fans were involved in violence in Belgium during the Euro 2000 tournament.

"There hasn't been any significant disorder involving England fans since Euro 2000 last August, but the police will now look closely at this," the spokeswoman said.

The Home Office is working closely with the Association of Chief Police Officers and the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) and "extensive" preparations have been made in the run-up to the match, she added.

"UK intelligence and police officers will be working with police officers in Athens. UK police spotters will be collecting evidence to pursue banning orders in courts at home," she said.

Large numbers of England fans flew to Greece on Monday on flights from the UK for the match, which England are desperate to win.

Fears have been raised that English holiday makers on the Greek islands may rush in just before the match to try to snap up tickets, which could cause problems if they are not allowed to buy them.

The English Football Association wants any late arrivals to be kept away from England supporters who have travelled officially through the England Members Club.

The club is about to be disbanded after some club members were accused of hooliganism and marring the reputation of English football. A new club is to be set up after the Greece match.