A South African magistrate has freed a British tabloid journalist who had been accused of trying to undermine World Cup security.

The prosecutor dropped the charges on Saturday after Simon Wright of the Sunday Mirror admitted to contravening the immigration act.

Wright was fined 700 rand ($A105).

Authorities initially alleged that Wright was involved in an "orchestrated" attempt to undermine World Cup security after a man found his way into England's change room at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town on June 18 after the 0-0 draw with Algeria.

They said Wright interviewed the man, Pavlos Joseph, as the police were looking for him.

After the incident, Joseph gave an exclusive interview to the Sunday Mirror, claiming he was directed to the changing room after asking a security guard where he could find a toilet.

Joseph was arrested on June 28 and paid a $100 admission of guilt fine in exchange for a Cape Town magistrate dropping the charges against him.

South African national police commissioner Bheki Cele said then that Wright had admitted to harbouring and interviewing Joseph while police were searching for him.

Wright had allegedly booked hotel accommodation for Joseph using false details, Cele said, adding that Wright also had a contract with Joseph for exclusive interviews for seven days "after he made news."

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