The 2006 Finals kick off in Germany in less than a month, but gamblers will be up against some stiff opposition, according to city police chief Lt-General Wiroj Chantarangsi.

Anticipating football-mad gamblers looking to score big in June and July, Wiroj has ordered city police districts to establish anti-gambling operation centres.

He has also assigned 101 special units to assist in a month-long crackdown on bookies and punters. Wiroj said the success of the crackdown relied on information exchange and cooperation among the units.

If local police turn a blind eye to gambling on the games, they will face disciplinary action.

For bookies and their runners nabbed during the finals, police promise swift prosecutions, and those caught may even be charged with additional offences against the Anti-Money Laundering Act and tax laws.