A conference of State Interior Ministers meeting in Stuttgart with Federal Interior Minister Otto Schily in the chair has agreed a national security concept for the 2006 FIFA World Cup™. Schily announced a series of strict security measures, including the cancellation of all police leave in June and July 2006.

The Federal Government is to establish a National Information and Co-operation Centre (NICC) in time for the FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, increased video surveillance will help protect all non-violent football fans.

Wilfried Straub represented the German Football League GmbH (DFL), and OC vice-president Wolfgang Niersbach was also present in Stuttgart. "We can absolutely assure all our visitors they will be on thoroughly safe territory at the FIFA World Cup in Germany," Niersbach commented.

The government and OC have agreed on a hard line approach to hooliganism, but at the same time the OC will implement a series of 'soft' pre-emptive measures against violence, including permanent and mobile fan embassies to help foster a joyful and convivial atmosphere.