HAMPSHIRE’S football hooligans will be banned from leaving the country in a bid to curb violence at this summer’s World Cup.

Police will force 109 troublemakers to hand over their passports to stop them travelling to South Africa or any other country where they could cause trouble.

It is just one of a raft of measures being put in place by Hampshire police to ensure the month-long festival of football passes off peacefully.

Football fans who cause trouble in Southampton’s pubs while watching the games will also find themselves in court, and slapped with strict football banning orders that could see them barred from any match and stadium in the country.

Each of the 109 thugs being prevented from leaving the country have already received those bans, which vary in length but in some cases span five years, because they have been key players in football related violence.

They will all be sent letters demanding they surrender their passports at police stations ten days before the World Cup kicks off on June 11.

Officers will give them two days to hand over their passports or sign a waiver stating they do not possess one, which will then be cross-checked with the government’s Passport Office.

Anyone who fails to comply faces arrest, with officers planning a special operation to raid the homes of those who don’t.

The robust approach is part of a national policing operation aimed at preventing England fans becoming involved in violence and alcohol related disorder called Operation Mulse.

Southampton’s Superintendent Rick Burrows, who will oversee the city’s policing operation, said: “The majority of England fans will be cheering on their national team this summer, with a large number of people opting to watch the games at a pub. Naturally, drinking alcohol comes hand in hand with that for most.

“We want people to come to the city and have a good, and safe, time. For us, the message is clear – we will not tolerate alcohol-related violence and will deal robustly with anyone intent on causing trouble.”

Supt Burrows added: “For those already subjected to Football Banning Orders who fail to surrender their passports or report as required, they should be warned that we will be following up on them to ensure that this small minority cannot affect the enjoyment of others.”