An international scientific symposium on "Security at major sporting events: security and legal challenges in the era of digital transformation" began on Wednesday in Rabat.
This three-day event is organized by the Moroccan Ministry of Justice in partnership with the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in Saudi Arabia, Morocco's Directorate General of National Security (DGSN), the Royal Gendarmerie Command, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), as well as the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Arab Police Sports Union.
As part of Morocco's hosting of the 2025 African Cup of Nations and preparations to co-host 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), the continental confederations, the UNOCT, the IOM, Interpol, Europol, the Council of Europe, the African Union Commission, and the British Sports Grounds Safety Authority.
Also taking part are officials from the justice, interior, security, and sports sectors of several countries, as well as researchers and specialists in the fields of sports event security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and organized crime.
This meeting provides an opportunity to examine the various dimensions (security, legal, and organizational) of security at major sporting events in light of digital transformations.
The Symposium also aims to promote the exchange of expertise between different actors involved in sports event security, enrich the debate on the legal and regulatory frameworks adopted at the national and international levels and preventive measures in this area, and examine the role of sport in preventing violent extremism and organized crime as well as reinforcing social cohesion.
The program for this meeting includes scientific sessions focusing on several areas, including the opportunities and challenges posed by major sporting events in the digital age, the role of sport in preventing violent extremism and organized crime, and international practices in securing sporting events.
Participants will also tackle 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 hosting sporting events scheduled for the upcoming years.
On this occasion, several international experiences in organizing and securing major sporting events will be presented, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Council of Europe Convention on Safety and Security at Sporting Events, and the British experience in stadium security management.
MAP: 07 January 2026
