International Scientific Symposium on Security of Major Sporting Events Held in Rabat

The proceedings of an international scientific symposium on “The Security of Major Sporting Events: Security and Legal Challenges in the Era of Digital Transformations” began on Wednesday in Rabat.

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

Held within the framework of Morocco’s hosting of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and preparations for the co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, this Symposium is attended by ministers, senior officials, and national and international experts representing prestigious institutions, including the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), continental confederations, the UNOCT, the IOM, Interpol, Europol, the Council of Europe, the African Union Commission, and the British authority responsible for stadium safety.

Also taking part are officials from the justice, interior, security, and sports sectors of several countries, as well as researchers and specialists in sports event security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and organized crime.

This meeting is an opportunity to examine the various dimensions (security, legal, and organizational) related to securing major sporting events, in light of digital transformations.

The Symposium further aims to promote the exchange of expertise among the various stakeholders involved in sports event security, enrich the debate around the legal and regulatory frameworks adopted at national and international levels and preventive measures in this area, as well as to examine the role of sport in preventing violent extremism and organized crime and strengthening social cohesion.

The program of this meeting includes scientific sessions focusing on several themes, notably the opportunities and challenges posed by major sporting events in the digital era, the role of sport in preventing violent extremism and organized crime, and international practices in securing sporting events.

Participants will also work on preventive crowd management measures, the use of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity technologies, the legal framework and judicial handling of cases related to sports event security, as well as planning for the hosting of sporting events scheduled in the coming years.

On this occasion, several international experiences in organizing and securing major sporting events will be presented, including that of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, the Council of Europe Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events, in addition to the British experience in managing stadium safety.