Soccer Euro 2004: The English Football Association is in discussions with UEFA to try to ensure that England are not expelled from Euro 2004 in Portugal because of disorder caused by British nationals on holiday there rather than specifically to watch the soccer.
With the threat of expulsion hanging over the English team after crowd trouble at Euro 2000 and in qualifying games for this summer's finals, the FA is keen to establish clear criteria for judging what constitutes soccer-related violence.
More than 200,000 Britons are expected to travel to Portugal during the tournament in June and early July, with around 50,000 expected to attempt to attend matches.
The FA has had a number of meetings with key agencies involved in security at the event, including the event's organising committee, Portuguese police, and the British police, home office and foreign office.
The main problem facing the authorities will be distinguishing between fans and holidaymakers, particularly on the Algarve where most English visitors are expected to be based, though England's matches are in the north.
England shirts are a common sight in a normal summer in Portugal. Establishing who is visiting for the soccer and who is not will be no easy task.
The potential for trouble will be exacerbated by large travelling contingents from Germany and Holland. British police hope to enforce more than 2,300 banning orders against known troublemakers.
Meanwhile, England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson will address Premiership chairmen next week to urge them to support his call for a winter break.
The England coach believes a two-week January break would enable players to recover from the rigours of top-flight football and remain fitter during the second half of the season. That, in turn, could help England's preparations for major tournaments.
The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes the Premier League could vote in favour of such a change for next season, though it would require 14 clubs to be in favour.
"Sven is very determined to get a winter break. The expectation levels are increasing and now people have had success at rugby they want it in football."
And FIFA have confirmed that the use of communications equipment during a soccer match will be discussed at the meeting of the International Football Association Board next month.
The statement comes after Belgium coach Aime Antheunis admitted he would like to follow the lead of Jupiler League outfit Genk after goalkeeper Jan Moons was seen using an earpiece - which he later revealed was to communicate with his coach - during last Friday's 1-0 victory over Club Brugge.
"The use of any communications equipment on the pitch during a match, such as an earpiece, should be authorised by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) prior to its use," a FIFA statement said.
"Though FIFA has yet to receive any formal enquiries on this topic from its member national associations, the approval of such communications equipment will be likely be addressed at the meeting of the IFAB in London on February 28th, 2004."
Moons said he was more than happy with the device. "At first you feel it, but after a few minutes you hardly notice that it's there. And no, the coach doesn't tell me which way I have to dive."
"Two or three times he gave me tactical information which I then gave to the defenders."
