22 Oct 2009

German footballers warned to wear bullet-proof vests

8:19 am on 22 October 2009

Germany's football world cup stars have been warned to wear bullet-proof vests if they venture away from the team hotel at next year's tournament in South Africa.

The head of security firm BaySecur, who look after the the German footballers when the national team play away from Germany, says stars like Michael Ballack must take extra care in South Africa.

Because of high crime rates in the Republic, the German Football Federation is looking to recruit 20 extra security guards for the team's stay at their five-star accommodation, while private bodyguards will protect the players both within and around the hotel.