Thieves grab seven replica World Cups in FIFA raid

Burglars made off with seven replicas of the golden World Cup trophy after breaking into FIFA's offices in South Africa, police said on Tuesday.

Thieves have targeted players and journalists during the tournament, but so far it has been relatively crime-free. Security was a big concern for organisers of the event due to South Africa's frighteningly high rates of violent crime.

"We know there was a burglary at the FIFA offices. Seven replicas of the World Cup were stolen and several sweaters. Police are looking into it," national police chief Bheki Cele told reporters.

Gauteng provincial police spokesman Eugene Opperman said the break-in took place on Sunday and that no one had been arrested yet.

World soccer's governing body is happy with the standard of policing at the tournament so far, a spokesman said, adding that he did not have any information about the break-in.

Eager to change its crime-ridden image, South Africa has set up 56 special World Cup courts to deal swiftly with cases involving visitors to soccer's biggest spectacle.

In the latest ruling on Monday, five hotel workers at the England team's hotel were sentenced for stealing items including a FIFA gold medal, cash and clothing from the English players.