UEFA works with FIGC at security seminar

UEFA has been offering useful help on safety and security in football stadiums to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) at a seminar staged at the FIGC technical centre in Coverciano.

Discussions centred on safety in stadiums and the role of stewards – topics that provided an opportunity for delegates to talk about domestic and international experiences under the various rules and directives implemented by UEFA.

UEFA's head of stadium and security, Marc Timmer, and UEFA safety and security adviser, Kenny Scott, held presentations on UEFA's experiences in the field of stadium, safety, security and stewarding, and urged continued strong diligence in approaching safety and security for spectators at all sports facilities.

"It is about finding the right balance between safety and security measures," said Mr Timmer. "However, the safety and well-being of spectators is priority No1." FIGC general manager Antonello Valentini added: "An important step ahead has been taken on the issue of sports facility management."

The newly elected president of Italy's National Observatory of Sports Events, Roberto Sgalla, renewed his organisation's commitment to combating any form of violence, and called for the reinforcement of relations between the police and the football community.

Security and the safety of everyone participating in football matches is a key concern for European football's governing body.

Last week, security issues were on the agenda for a workshop at the house of European football in Nyon which brought together members of the UEFA Stadium and Security Committee, UEFA security officers and other safety and security specialists.

Participants debated a wide variety of matters, including an analysis of incidents in UEFA competitions, UEFA's stadium safety management policies and the roles of UEFA security officers.