Germany is planning to waive noise limits for outdoor parties during the FIFA World Cup? so football fans will be able to carouse well into the night during the month-long tournament.

Under existing rules, German police can close down rowdy open air events at 10pm. Some FIFA World Cup matches are due to end at around 11pm and with the possibility of extra time and penalties in later rounds, games could continue almost until midnight.

Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel told Bild am Sonntag newspaper he intended to give Germany's federal states and city mayors free rein to decide when to end festivities. Many cities, particularly the 12 hosting matches, intend to show the games to thousands of ticketless fans at giant outdoor public screenings.

"I am a football fan myself and think it's good, unlike before with TV broadcasts, that we can bring a bit of the stadium atmosphere and football buzz into our cities," Gabriel told the newspaper.

"We wouldn't be good hosts if we did not give our football friends from around the world the possibility of celebrating this one-off football festival in the open air."

Germans tend to call the police to silence parties that disturb their beauty sleep, but residents will have to put up with blaring broadcasts and rowdy fans at approved public viewings and parties during the tournament.