5 football hooligans arrested in England ahead of World Cup

English hooligans arrested in morning raids

BIRMINGHAM, England — Five convicted English soccer hooligans have been arrested in early morning raids as part of a crackdown ahead of the World Cup.

Police say the men are between 20 and 44 years of age and were detained at their homes in central England. They are accused of violating “banning orders” by not handing in their passports.

West Midlands police official Dave Mapp says more arrests will be made in the next few days.

The maximum sentence for failing to comply with the ban is six months in jail or a 5,000 pound ($7,250) fine.

Courts in England and Wales can impose banning orders on anyone convicted of a soccer-related offense. Those with banning orders cannot attend any match in England or Wales and must surrender their passports to police when England plays away from home.