German special forces have arrested a Syrian refugee on suspicion of plotting an attack inspired by the so-called Islamic State.

The 24-year-old is suspected being member of the terror group and of planning an attack against the upcoming Bundesliga football championships - the equivalent of the UK Premier League.

The man was arrested in Mutterstadt in the western state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

"There are indications that something is being planned for the start of the Bundesliga season," a interior ministry spokesman for the region told AFP.

However in a separate statement the ministry added there was currently "no evidence of a concrete threat".