Course on pan-european football security organised in Bucharest

CEPOL course  62/2024 “Pan-European Football Security” was organised from 18 to 22 November 2024 in Bucharest by the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Directorate General of Human Resources Management.

The course had 42 participants from 24 Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Spain), Georgia and Europol; with experts from UEFA, Interpol, Europol, Football Supporters Europe, UK, Germany and the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs – the Romanian Inspectorate General of Gendarmerie.

At the official opening of the course, Mr. Adrian Dincă, Head of NFIP (National Football Information Point), welcomed the representatives of the Members States, Georgia and Europol, the observers of UEFA, and the experts. In his speech he mentioned that the activity was of paramount importance not only for NFIPs, but also within the context of international police cooperation.

Underlining the importance of the Council of Europe Convention on on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sport Events, the experts stated that security in football is a significant pillar that should be treated in close connection to the concepts of safety and service. 

During the course, participants had the possibility to exchange their experience and knowledge in the field of football security.  Some of the topics that were discussed included: policing football matches with an international dimension; football policing operations; the use and risk of pyrotechnics; understanding and managing risk crowd dynamics; the EU Handbook on international police cooperation and the NFIPs role; Europol’s and Interpol’s role in international police cooperation in relation to football matches; crisis management; safety and security at European football matches and the role of UEFA. They also attended a case study workshop focusing on the EURO 2021 Wembley final.

On 18 November, the participants had the opportunity to visit the Romanian National Arena[1], where they were welcomed by the general brigadier of the Directorate General of Bucharest Gendarmerie, Mr. Ionel-Cătălin Stegăroiu. The Romanian expert leading an action commander role, introduced the participants the specific activities of the command center that were in place that evening due to the match of the Romanian national team against Cyprus[2]. During the conduct of sports competitions and matches, the Gendarmerie has a coordinating role, ensuring inter-institutional cooperation through its specialised units.

When speaking about international police cooperation in relation to football matches, the expert from Interpol, mentioned that "he/she who protects just the visible and immediate threats can be caught in trouble. Develop a range of scenarios, train/test/exercise them and be ready for unexpected situations. Engage in a dynamic risk assessment, protecting with a multi-layer approach, monitoring different systems and investing in preparedness".

According to the participants' and experts' opinions, the activity held in Bucharest was a successful one and more similar activities should be organised at EU level, to help create a solid legal framework in the field and offer an opportunity to share best practices and expertise.