The Asian Football Confederation and the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) on Friday signed a wide-ranging partnership agreement to strengthen safety and security in Asian football.
The agreement will strengthen existing safety and security regulations, develop training programmes and help assess safety and security within the AFC Member Associations.
The partnership agreement was signed by the presidents of the two organisations after the AFC Congress in Bahrain.
“Safety and security is a top priority for the AFC, a basic requirement for any football match to take place. The AFC does everything within its powers to protect players, officials, coaches and spectators across Asia,” said Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who was reelected as AFC president on Thursday.
“The ICSS is at the forefront of safeguarding sport and this agreement is a significant step forward in enhancing safety and security practices within the AFC and our Member Associations.”
ICSS president Mohammed Hanzab said: “As sport and major events continue to increase in size and complexity, I would encourage other football associations and confederations to show the same proactive leadership as the AFC in sport safety and security to confront the new threats that sport now faces.
“This partnership with the AFC represents a significant milestone for the ICSS and builds on our growing portfolio with various sports organisations and other major events rights-holders around the world.
“As one of the fastest growing and most diverse football regions in the world, Asia is an important platform for the ICSS to showcase our expertise, as well as providing us with a unique opportunity to work on some of the world’s largest major sport events and venues.”
As part of the agreement, the ICSS and AFC will develop safety and security regulations within the framework of FIFA international guidelines.
The partners will also deliver training programmes educate security officers within AFC Member Associations, including ‘Train the Trainer’ programmes.
They will also develop key requirements for the security design of sport infrastructure, security operations for clubs and international matches and tournaments taking place in AFC Member Associations
The growth of a professional network of security personnel will be supported, to ensure the appointment of qualified staff for clubs, international matches and tournaments.
Current safety and security documentation and reporting tools for clubs, international matches and tournaments taking place within the AFC will be reviewed.
ICSS will also provide safety and security assessments in collaboration with or on behalf of the AFC.
