There are fears nationalists might exploit the World Cup

Hooliganism is a major concern for police as they prepare for the tournament, which kicks off on 9 June.

The union's president, Konrad Freiberg, said neo-Nazis had already applied to hold five marches during the Cup.

He said police would be fully stretched ensuring security at the matches and did not want an extra burden.

"The neo-Nazis have found the World Cup to be a welcome platform for their propaganda," he told a police security forum in Berlin on Friday.

At a separate World Cup conference on Friday hosted by the British embassy in Berlin, several British and German former players briefed politicians on their experiences of racism and discussed how to overcome it.

A racist attack on a German man of African origin recently raised concerns about the safety of black fans during the World Cup.

Former Spurs striker Garth Crooks and ex-Ghanaian international Anthony Baffoe attended the embassy conference.

On Saturday there will be a game between Muslim imams and Christian ministers in Berlin - part of the anti-racism initiative.