ICSS and European PFL sign MOU

Doha – Qatar Mar 19, 2013: The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) and European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Signed during the second day of Securing Sport 2013, the MOU sets out an ongoing collaboration between the two organisations with the goal of advancing knowledge, sharing best practices, optimising security and integrity planning and cooperating to ensure safer sporting events in the future.

The key aspects of the agreement include:

• Security and Integrity Advisory – the ICSS will provide ongoing advisory services to the EPFL in relation to security and integrity infrastructure, planning and design. The ICSS will also make available its capacity to conduct research projects and access to its wide network of leading security and integrity experts.

• Information and knowledge sharing in sport security and integrity – the ICSS and EPFL will jointly analyse ways to increase knowledge sharing. The ICSS will share with the EPFL its Knowledge Portal of information regarding best practice procedures, and other valuable insights into mechanisms used to ensure optimal security and integrity infrastructure at major football events.

The MOU was signed by ICSS President Mohammed Hanzab, Sir Dave Richards, EPFL Chairman, ICSS Executive Director, Helmut Spahnand Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, EPFL CEO.

Mohammed Hanzab, President of the ICSS, said: “The ICSS is committed to the advancement of knowledge and capabilities in sport safety, security and integrity, and is a hub for information-sharing and expertise across various aspects of sport security and integrity. This MOU with the EPFL is an important step for the world of football which will help protect the integrity of the game and assist in the staging of safe sporting events.”

Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, EPFL CEO said: “The challenges facing sport today are numerous and wide-ranging. We must remain vigilant and active in our efforts to protect sport and its integrity. Sharing knowledge and information is vital and this MOU with the ICSS will assist our efforts to remain ahead.” —- By Will Shand, from Doha, Qatar