Security and order at the arenas are high-priority issues for the 2024 season. Last week, Swedish Professional Football Leagues decided to transform previous security guidelines into directives, and this week saw the annual kickoff meeting between elite football and the Police Authority regarding their joint security work.
“It’s important that we provide a comprehensive overview of the collaboration between elite football and the police regarding security work and that all clubs receive the same information ahead of the new season,” says Per Eliasson, Security Manager at Swedish Professional Football Leagues.
The previous guidelines concerning flares, pyrotechnics, and thrown objects, which have now been transformed into directives in the special competition regulations for Allsvenskan and Superettan (STB) 2024, are just one of several measures for the new season.
“In addition to the directives, we are also working on a range of measures to enhance security and shell protection at the arenas. The measures may include rebuilding to minimize the risks of thrown objects and the introduction of pyrotechnics, as well as expanded and improved camera technology,” continues Eliasson.
Efforts and measures are also underway with the hope of long-term effectiveness. Anders Hübinette, for example, participated in the conference to discuss the government’s investigation into reducing violence and other disturbances in connection with sports events. Swedish Professional Football Leagues is also in dialogue with the government to change legislation related to camera surveillance to facilitate the identification of individuals committing crimes inside the arenas.
Conference participants, consisting of club security managers and SLOs (Supporters Liaison Officers), also heard about the police’s work for 2024 and a description of their various focus areas concerning sports-related crime. In addition, arena and facility owners Stockholm Live and GOT Event contributed their perspectives on creating safe and secure events. Elite referees were also part of the program, discussing UEFA’s stricter assessment regarding inappropriate behavior, which will be a focus area for the Swedish elite referee corps in 2024.
The opening rounds of Allsvenskan and Superettan commence during Easter weekend, starting on Saturday, March 30th.
