The National Police Agency released an English-language message Wednesday to warn foreigners intent on causing trouble at the 2002 World Cup soccer finals cohosted by Japan and South Korea that Japan is ready to deal with them.

"We will remain vigilant. . . . We will deal firmly with anyone who acts in a violent or disorderly way or who takes part in prohibited behavior such as theft, unauthorized sales of match tickets, and sales or use of drugs," the statement said. "Hooliganism will not be tolerated."

The message said the NPA is working closely with overseas police forces.

The NPA also stressed that it is "promoting various measures to ensure that the World Cup is a festival of football, which supporters of every competing nation can enjoy in a safe and secure environment."

Recent revisions to a law that will allow Japan to apply stricter measures to hooligans, including barring their entry into the country, were also mentioned.

The message will be translated into French, German and Spanish and sent to various embassies, as well as international security authorities, according to NPA officials.

The officials also plan to approach the transport ministry to get the message published mainly in travel agency pamphlets.

The World Cup will be jointly hosted by Japan and South Korea and will be held from May 31 to June 30.