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Tougher laws

Japanese immigration targets soccer hooligans

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TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's upper house of parliament passed a bill Friday enabling immigration authorities to bar soccer hooligans from entering Japan for the 2002 World Cup soccer finals.

The revision of the Immigration Control and Refugee-Recognition Law will next be sent to the lower house. If enacted, it could be put into effect in March.

"We are very pleased with this development and it will fit in nicely with our overall security plan for the 2002 World Cup," said Japan Organizing Committee official Hisao Shuto.

The bill stipulates that hooligans who have previously been convicted or expelled from countries for disruptive behavior at soccer matches can be refused entry to Japan.

It also says foreign nationals who engage in soccer hooliganism after entering Japan can be expelled.

According to a Transport Ministry estimate, about 430,000 fans from abroad are expected to visit Japan during the 2002 World Cup.

Hooliganism has been a problem in Europe. During the 1998 World Cup in France, overzealous fans went on a rampage, leaving more than 60 people injured.

 

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