File photo used for representation only
Doha: The Safety and Security Operations Committee (SSOC) of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has confirmed its full preparedness to secure the tournament, in accordance with the highest international security standards, and in line with the security requirements of FIFA, utilizing the latest technologies and advanced security systems in the world, and benefiting from the great legacy of the State of Qatar in hosting major sporting events over the past years.
This came in a report issued by SSOC in which it shed light on the most important security preparations that have already been completed and the role of the security agencies that have already started assuming their duties. All security authorities and the SSOC work in full coordination and cooperation with the aim of providing all means of security, and maintaining the safety of the fans, players and international missions participating in the tournament, the report said.
SSOC further affirmed that it will spare no effort to secure the World Cup, pointing out that the foreseen success of the tournament would be a continuation of the successive accomplishments made by the State of Qatar in hosting major sporting events and in the serious early preparations for the championship.
The Committee also affirmed its keenness to efficiently implement its plans to effectively and positively manage and respond to any incident related to the tournament.
To achieve this, a modern security system has been implemented to protect everyone and create a safe and healthy environment for sporting events, the report said.
It noted that SSOC’s efforts stem from the Ministry of Interior’s mission to achieve security stability, as the main objective of the Ministry of Interior’s strategy (2018-2022) is to contribute to securing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
The tournament security strategy aims to achieve comprehensive security relying on total local, regional and international partnerships as well as coordination between the concerned authorities in the country while emphasizing the importance of preventive security, exchanging information in enforcing the law, assessing and dealing with threats. The strategy further aims to highlight the role of the media in delivering messages, through early media coverage, on various media and social networks.
Security plans take into consideration the nature of sports competition and the fans’ entertainment, SSOC affirmed pointing to the necessity of protecting those fans and providing the highest levels of security and comfort for all parties participating in the tournament.
The committee explained that the tasks of the security units cover securing the teams, fans, venues and means of transportation as well as maintaining cyber security and safeguarding information infrastructure and communication systems.
The SSOC stressed that all security units will be in their allocated positions before the kickoff of the first matches of the tournament, whether on the roads leading to stadiums, areas adjacent to them, or even inside the stadiums for safety, security, facilitate moving, and reduce crowding, whether on the gates during entry and exit or on the roads leading to stadiums.
The SSOC indicated that the fans’ entry gates will be opened 3 hours before any match, calling on fans not to be late to avoid crowding and to ensure their comfort in the smooth access to their seats.
The SSOC pointed out that the security personnel will handle the security and verification of security passes and match tickets. The committee will also use electronic gates and inspection devices for bags and banned materials in stadiums.
The committee affirms its total confidence in fans’ cooperation with the security personnel by adhering to the security measures and their cooperation during the exit and entry to the stadium, especially since there are specific standards and requirements made by FIFA regarding banned items.
The committee also pointed out that there are assistance teams of private security and volunteers who will provide required guidance to help fans whenever needed, stressing that all procedures are taken for the fans’ safety and security.
The committee stressed that Qatar’s hosting of this global football event represents an accumulation of expertise for the security sectors involved in securing mega sports events, in addition to using advanced technological systems to bring Qatar to an advanced stage in using technology for securing sports facilities.
