DHAKA: Thousands of police in at least 14 Brazilian states are holding a one-day strike over pay.

The strike takes place less than a month before the beginning of the football World Cup, in another hiccup in preparations for the event.

The industrial action affects several World Cup host cities, including Sao Paulo, where the tournament will begin on 12 June, and Rio de Janeiro.

The authorities were quick to play down any risk of major disruption.

Only civil police, who deal with criminal enquiries, are taking strike action.

They area demanding a pay rise of up to 80%.

Military police, who patrol the streets, and federal police, who are in charge of the borders and airports, say they have grievances but are not planning any strike until the end of the World Cup.

World Cup street seller in Brazil Many in Brazil believe enthusiasm with the World Cup will grow when the tournament begins

"There is no climate for a general [police] strike now in Rio de Janeiro," said Brazil's Big Events Secretary Roberto Alzir.

"Even if that was to go ahead, we would be prepared for that," he added, reports the BBC.

BDST: 0854 HRS, MAY 21, 2014