The objective of the work group, meeting for their third round of consultation, is to prevent hostility between fans at the FIFA World Cup? and to foster a cheerful tournament which brings nations closer together, breaks down prejudices and gives meaning to the slogan "A time to make friendsTM".

"The subject of fan support is very important to us," explained Horst R. Schmidt, senior vice-president of the OC. "The 2006 FIFA World Cup can only fulfil its objective of bringing people together if players, officials, fans and spectators are all involved. We want our hospitality to be accessible to all."

With this philosophy in mind, the work group, created under the auspices of the OC, includes employees of the DFB, fans from top clubs, representatives of the Police, the Federal Agency for Political Education and the Co-ordination Centre for Fan Projects. The OC sees itself in the role of initiator, encouraging the many.

The third meeting of the work group featured discussions on a three-tiered concept, which will be presented to the OC presidential committee as soon as possible.

One member of the work group is Prof. Dr. Gunter A. Pilz of the University of Hannover, a renowned expert in fan behaviour since the early 1980s. "Work with fans must avoid cultural isolation and clarify national identity using elements from the wider world," said Prof. Dr. Pilz, explaining one of his fundamental ideas.

The group also contains Alfred Sengle, the DFB safety representative, Thomas Schneider, Chairman of the Co-ordination Centre for Fan Projects (KOS) and Michael Kirchner, who co-ordinates the fan club national team for the DFB. The work group is directed by Helmut Spahn, head of safety for the OC.

by OC 2006 FIFA World Cup