German police will not have the resources to ensure there will be no fan violence at public big-screen sites during the 2006 World Cup finals, the head of the country's police union (GdP) warned.

Towns and cities across Germany have been given licences to organise live screenings of matches during the tournament.

GdP chairman Konrad Freiberg, speaking on the day of the draw for the finals, said recent outbreaks of hooliganism in Germany, including a brawl between 100 German and Polish fans, raised serious concern about security away from the stadiums.

"Without doubt, much has been done to safeguard the stadiums and ensure the best possible security for players, fans and officials," Freiberg said at a conference in Karlsruhe, reported on the GdP website. "But the police have great concerns about clashes on the fringes of the venues. The outbreak of soccer violence in recent weeks, such as the recent fight between Germans and Polish hooligans show that something is brewing."

"The police will not be able to be present in sufficient numbers at every site."

At the last major tournament to be held in Germany, the 1988 European Championship, there were serious problems involving Dutch, English and German fans.

Hooliganism was also a major problem the last time the World Cup was held in Europe, in France in 1998. A French policeman was beaten almost to death by German hooligans and English fans rioted in Marseille.

Organisers said this week they would finalise their security plans after the draw has decided where England and the Netherlands are playing.

The finals begin on June 9 in Munich.

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