FIFA steps up World Cup security

Rio De Janeiro, June 22 (IANS): Football's world governing body FIFA has stepped up World Cup security following two fan invasions at Rio's Maracana Stadium.

In a statement released Saturday, FIFA said reinforcements would be made at each of the 12 World Cup stadiums, Xinhua reported. The decision follows a meeting of FIFA officials and local authorities Friday.

"(We have) decided to reinforce security at the stadia perimetres, both physically and with personnel, and to increase the presence of public security on access control points as well as private security," FIFA said in the statement.

The most serious breach came when dozens of fans stormed the venue's media area before the Group B match between Spain and Chile June 18.

Security barriers were also breached during Argentina's Group F clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina June 15.

The Maracana will stage the World Cup final July 13.