Extra Birmingham Airport patrols to stop hooligans reaching Russia World Cup

West Midlands Police has written to 214 people handed football banning orders (FBO) to remind them they must surrender their passport.

The 'troublemakers' are banned from travelling to Russia for this summer's World Cup, which starts on June 14.

Inspector Andy Bridgewater, head of West Midlands Police’s specialist football unit, said: "The World Cup is the pinnacle of international football with some of the best teams and players competing against each other.

"But those with an FBO have sacrificed the chance of being part of the festival of football through their previous behaviour.

"They have been issued for a reason and troublemakers from the West Midlands are not welcome at this showpiece event.

"We know full well who has an FBO and those who fail to surrender their passport can expect to be arrested and hauled before the courts."

People with an FBO can hand in their passport at police stations today or tomorrow, and then it will be retained until the end of the tournament.

Officers will pursue those who violate the order, with the risk of a hefty fine or up to six months in prison for failing to comply.

Police patrols will also be stepped up at Birmingham Airport during the World Cup to catch culprits attempting to sneak abroad.

A defendant convicted of a football-related offence and made subject to an FBO is banned from attending matches or going to overseas tournaments.

The force said it also has plans in place to ensure football fans watching games at venues across the region are kept safe.

Local policing units will be on patrol during games, while extra officers available if needed.