With more than 3.5 billion fans worldwide and 250 million players spanning 200 countries, football takes the trophy for the most popular sport in the world. It’s no wonder that the World Cup draws millions of people to whichever country hosts it every four years. 

With so many people in attendance, security plays an important role in the success of the World Cup games. The 2022 World Cup security is no different from the security of the past. This November, Qatar will host the World Cup.

While Qatar has promised optimal security measures, spectators and fans alike are still wondering is it safe to go to the World Cup? Keep reading to learn about these safety measures countries are taking this year to make spectators feel safe at the 2022 World Cup. 

Qatar’s Role

Qatar officials have a keen understanding of their unique situation. After all, they’re hosting the matches that will take place from November 21 to December 18, 2022. 

They also understand the uniqueness of their nation and some of the problems that already exist. Many people are questioning the location of Qatar for the World Cup for a variety of reasons from infrastructure problems to human rights issues to the state’s stance on homosexuality. 

All of these problems pose significant and unique security problems. Additionally, you have the competitive spirit that the World Cup already brings. 

This World Cup is the first time an Arab nation has hosted the contest. It’s also only the second time the World Cup has been held in Asia, with the first being the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea. 

Thirty-two teams will play in the World Cup, which means thirty-two nations will bring spectators and fans alike to fill the stadiums.

Security Training

To prepare for security measures, Qatar launched a two-day security conference on Sunday, May 25, 2022.

Dubbed the “Last Mile” conference, this training took place over two days. It welcomed representatives from each of the nations that qualified as well as other organisations such as the United Nations, Interpol, and FIFA’s safety and security operations committee. 

At the conference, the security authorities conducted risk assessments regarding general safety and terrorism threats. The assessments revealed a low threat level that authorities feel is under control in Qatar. Thus, they sought to simply have the proper organisation in place for security. 

Delegates also attended workshops to discuss the safety plans and World Cup security measures. More than 20 nations had qualified at this point. FIFA security officials involved the football associations of each qualifying nation to help coordinate an appropriate security scheme. 

Qatar has set up an international police cooperation centre for the tournament. At this centre, delegates from all of the Participating Member Associations will be present. If the security has problems with one country’s fan group, the delegation can exchange information and learn how to manage them. 

The conference explored the security plans in place and informed delegates about the policies and procedures that will occur during the World Cup. Participants also received a tour of the eight stadiums where the World Cup will take place. 

NATO’s Involvement

In addition to the Qatar security, NATO confirmed it will provide support as well to the 2022 World Cup Security team. They will help train security regarding chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. Both Slovakia and NATO’s Joint CBRN Defence Centre of Excellence in the Czech Republic will deliver the training. 

Prior to this meeting, NATO held an initial training session in Slovakia for biological, chemical, radiological, and nuclear threats. Additionally, NATO is saying that Romania will train security to protect VIPs and to counter threats that an IED or improvised explosive device would cause. 

“A first training session dealing with Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear threats was conducted this past May in Slovakia,” it added.

The UK & US have big roles to play

America’s Department of Homeland Security plays a critical role as well in the 2022 World Cup security. They will be on hand to ensure the tournament is secure and safe. 

Homeland Security states they will employ the TSA or Transportation Security Agency to screen baggage for anyone who will attend the soccer matches. They will host a delegation from Qatar at an airport in the United States to show officials how the TSA screens baggage.

The Department of Homeland Security has experience with handling large-scale sporting events in the United States. The U.S. Secret Service, for example, heads up the security at the Super Bowl every February. The Secret Service will not be on the site of the World Cup, but they will provide security training to the Qataris. 

The Department of Homeland Security also stated they will provide cyber resources through the specialized Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. While there is no credible threat at this time, the World Cup is a large gathering, and security should be prepared for any event. 

As you can see, with so many hands in play in Qatar, security at the World Cup should work smoothly.

With that said, because British Forces are currently supporting the counter-terror effort in the Middle East, there may be an opportunity for public procurement of security contracts. 

Specialised defence contractors could have an opportunity to serve the World Cup well by receiving the appropriate security training and then working on the security detail. 

Sport, Security, and Safety

World Cup security will consist primarily of Qatar security forces. That said, a host of independent contractors will participate in training and receive training to make the World Cup as safe of an event as possible. 

Are you looking for defence contract opportunities? If so, contact us. Our software allows you to find every defence opportunity available in the UK. 

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