Rostock (Germany): A German court ruled that stadium operators can claim damages from streakers at matches -- a decision that could affect the World Cup.
The High Regional Court in Rostock ruled on Friday in favour of local second-division club Hansa Rostock, which filed compensation claims against three streakers after being fined euro20,000 ($24,800) by the German soccer federation (DFB).
The court ruled the club could seek full compensation for the fine against the trio, who had climbed over the fence and onto the field during an October 2003 match.
Judge Hans-Georg Eckert rejected their defense that the club had not provided sufficient security.
"If you are caught stealing, you can't argue that the shop owner should have better protected his goods," Eckert said.
During last year's Confederations Cup, a dress rehearsal for the June 9-July 9 World Cup, streakers ran onto the field in several stadiums, angering organisers.
"The ruling is a signal to the World Cup organising committee," organising committee spokesman Jens Grittner said.
"If we are fined by FIFA because of streakers, we'll take the judicial way."
Hansa lawyer Gunnar Kempf said he had received backing from the DFB and the German League, which wanted a "deterring verdict" that would have bearing in all sports.
The ruling can be appealed to Germany's highest appeals court.
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