Football fans planning to spend the next five weeks in front of the television were today warned of the risks the World Cup could pose to marital bliss.

As thousands of supporters settled down to watch the Scotland v Brazil game today, which kicked off the tournament in Paris, professionals in North Yorkshire were preparing themselves for a month of heightened stress symptoms.

York GP Dr Walter Stockdale said the period of the World Cup was similar to Christmas or family bereavements when cracks in relationships were brought to the surface.

He said if one spouse liked football and the other did not, the tournament could highlight existing tensions.

He said: "It is very likely that there will be family distress and it may trigger off a visit to the doctor.

"Whilst it is appropriate for each partner to have his or her own particular interests, it's when these interests take over that they become a source of a threat to the marriage."

He said the answer was to be honest and recognise the problem and then for the football-loving spouse to find ways of compensating.

"They should work hard on joint areas and to show willingness to sacrifice the odd match now and then is often a way of releasing tension," he said. "But spouses won't have to go far to find someone else in the same boat and it could be an opportunity to create a World Cup spouses club."

York Police, who have recently launched a domestic violence initiative, said they were also expecting an increase in tension.

Chief Inspector Gary Barnett said: "It's always the case that whenever there is a big event that causes tension that domestic violence and arguments tend to increase.

"You see it at Christmas, family holidays and four-yearly during the World Cup."

Carole Money, manager of York Relate, which is already anticipating more demand for counselling, said: "One of the important things to do is rather than one partner getting all the television time, is to negotiate the time.

"If one partner wants to watch all the matches perhaps they can arrange for special days to be put aside so they can do something together as well. Negotiation is the key."

Relate's national helpline is 0870 6012121 (calls cost 7p a minute between 9.30am and 1pm on weekdays).

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