RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazilian police are clamping down on organised groups of football hooligans as the World Cup draws nearer.

The move came after serious incidents in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo after violent confrontations between rival supporters.

In Sao Paulo, Palmeiras and Santos fans clashed after a classic at the weekend, whilst last week a Vasco fan was stabbed to death in Rio after a match between the two clubs.

Next year, the cities of Rio, Belo Horizonte, Recife and Salvador will host the Confederations Cup, FIFA's dress rehearsal for the World Cup the following year.

With a massive influx of tourists expected for both events, the government want to ensure visitors to the country and attend a football match in a peaceful environment.

On Saturday, when Carioca clubs Fluminense and Vasco met in the Campeonato Brasileiro, members of Flu firm Young Flu were arrested for robbery and the assault of two Vasco supporters.