BERLIN, June 7 (UPI) -- Germany is planning several measures to combat racist violence during this month's FIFA Soccer World Cup.
Starting Thursday, foreign fans subject to neo-Nazi violence or abuse may call telephone helplines in six languages. The operators, who will work 24 hours a day, speak German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Turkish, and offer help if a fan feels threatened or has been abused.
Security will be high on Wednesday evening in Berlin, where the Fan Party -- Berlin's official opening party of the tournament -- kicks off in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
Some 100,000 people are expected to flock to the area around the landmark to see Brazilian soccer legend Pelé and hear pop bands from all over the world play.
Berlin's police and security officers have undergone a crash course in English to help anybody who feels threatened.
Meanwhile, racist incidents continue in Berlin, with one French 22-year-old being verbally abused Monday night in the Prenzlauer Berg district.
The German government earlier this week said that all fans can feel safe in Germany, and that the incidents were isolated.
The World Cup, which kicks off Friday and lasts until July 9, is the world's biggest sports event.
