Fears that Poll, a notorious cardsharp, will be flashing more yellow than a posse of Brazilian cheerleaders may prove true, but at least those players who ply their trade in the Premiership can't say they haven't been warned.
"I think the main thrust as far as we're concerned in this World Cup will be ensuring fair play," Poll said. "The key thing FIFA wants to stamp out is what they call 'simulation' - or cheating, in short.
"The Far East is an area known for its sense of fair play. My responsibility is to try and make sure highlypaid professional footballers play within the laws of the game.
"But if all goes well, a referee shouldn't really be noticed."
That might sound odd coming from a man who had his pre-FA Cup Final haircut televised live two years ago.
No doubt Poll wishes he had been less conspicuous when Leicester midfielder Robbie Savage forced his toilet humour upon his dressing room in April or when a furious Thierry Henry fired a broadside his way when Newcastle won at Highbury last December.
But abuse - from both players and fans - goes with the territory.
He said: "Recently a fan came up to me on the golf course and asked: 'What's it like being one of the mosthated people in the country?' I said: 'It doesn't help meeting people like you.' You also get a bit of hate mail, which isn't nice."
Poll represented the English Football Association at Euro 2000 but this is his first World Cup.
"I'm excited. Nothing comes without dedication and hard work," he added. "I will use my experience when it comes to sendings off. I'm still learning so I will make mistakes - both genuine and perceived.
"But I'm very privileged - and I love the travelling. I've been to 30 different countries now as a referee.
