Brazil's passion for football means the country's banks can close when the national team is playing games in the World Cup in South Africa, the Central Bank said on Wednesday.

"On those days, uninterrupted working hours will not be obligatory in the agencies of banks and savings institutions," it said in a statement.

The measure is not only to allow football-mad bank staff to catch the live broadcasts, but also "to avoid security lapses" in the banks and armoured cash transport, according to the central bank.

The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 11.

Brazil, one of the favourites, has its first games scheduled for June 15 and June 20.

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