AFC and ICSS partner to enhance safety and security of Asian football

The Asian Football Confederation and the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) have agreed a wide-ranging partnership agreement to strengthen safety and security in Asian football.

The agreement, signed by the Presidents of the two organisations after the AFC Congress in Bahrain last weekend, will strengthen existing safety and security regulations, develop training programs and help assess safety and security within the AFC Member Associations.

Commenting on the initiative, AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, stated “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.

“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 added, “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 work together on several safety and security projects, including:

• The development of AFC safety and security regulations within the framework of FIFA international guidelines 
• Developing and delivering training programs to educate security officers within AFC Member Associations, including ‘Train the Trainer’ programs
• Developing key requirements for the security design of sport infrastructure, security operations for clubs and international matches and tournaments taking place in AFC Member Associations
• Supporting the growth of a professional network of security personnel to ensure the appointment of qualified staff for clubs, international matches and tournaments 
• Reviewing current safety and security documentation and reporting tools for clubs, international matches and tournaments taking place within the AFC
• Providing safety and security assessments in collaboration with or on behalf of the AFC 

As an independent and non-profit organisation, the ICSS is at the forefront of efforts to safeguard sport and is an integral player in addressing critical issues in sport such as major event safety and venue security, match-fixing and betting fraud.

For more details about the ICSS and its work go to www.theicss.org.

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