Rabat: Experts highlight the importance of digitalization and coordination in the security management of sporting events

A session held within the framework of the International Scientific Symposium on “the security of major sporting events: security and legal challenges in the era of digital transformation” allowed speakers to emphasize the need to take into account digital challenges, the specific context of each host country and the characteristics of supporters in order to develop effective strategies for better organization of sporting events.

According to the Head of the Safety and Security Department of the Confederation of African Football, Christian Emeruwa, new technologies have become a key pillar in the security management of major sporting events around the world. These tools are now widely used to manage access to stadiums, coordinate security operations and analyze risks, he said.

He also called for taking into account the challenges related to full dependence on these technologies, whose effectiveness depends on their adaptation to the economic reality, infrastructure and population of the host country.

As an example, he mentioned the exclusive use of digital tickets, which carries the risk of excluding a large segment of supporters, as well as possible technical problems at access points linked to internet connectivity and smartphone battery life, particularly in countries where digital tools are not yet widespread.

He also praised the level of security cooperation and coordination in Morocco, as well as the quality of its sporting infrastructure, the Main Media Center and the fan zones, which offer supporters an integrated experience during the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

The FIFA Head of Security, Serge Dumortier, for his part, said it is essential to respect stadium capacity limits and to adopt a “zero risk” philosophy inside sports venues by complying with all applicable standards in order to guarantee the safety and security of supporters and protect infrastructure.

Morocco, Spain and Portugal, which will jointly host the 2030 World Cup, are known for their strong passion for football, which gives this edition an added advantage compared to previous ones, especially with the influx of supporters from all over the world, he noted.

Dumortier added that this dynamic requires the development of clear strategies for crowd management and maintaining order inside and outside stadiums, while ensuring a safe and enjoyable sporting experience for everyone.

Colonel Fahd Al Subaie from Qatar recalled his country’s experience in organizing the 2022 World Cup, referring to an “integrated model” for managing a complex global event from an organizational, security and social standpoint.

He also reviewed the main measures and innovations adopted in the management of the tournament, including the use of smart mechanisms for security checks and the management of supporter flows, which made it possible to guide fans and avoid congestion.

During the session, participants also stressed the role of supporters as a key element in the success of sporting events, noting that understanding their behavior helps ensure effective crowd management and contributes to the organization of a safe and successful competition.

This three day symposium is organized by the Ministry of Justice in partnership with the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences of Saudi Arabia, the General Directorate of National Security, the Command of the Royal Gendarmerie and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, with the support of the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism, the International Organization for Migration and the Arab Police Sports Union.

Editorial team/le7tv