Council Resolution of 4 December 2006 concerning an updated handbook with recommendations for international police cooperation and measures to prevent and control violence and disturbances in connection with football matches with an international dimension, in which at least one Member State is involved
Date: 2006-12-04
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: international cooperation, police cooperation, public safety, sporting event, user guide, violence

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I

(Information)

COUNCIL

COUNCIL RESOLUTION

of 4 December 2006

concerning an updated handbook with recommendations for international police cooperation and
measures to prevent and control violence and disturbances in connection with football matches with
an international dimension, in which at least one Member State is involved

(2006/C 322/01)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

The European Union’s objective is, inter alia, to provide
citizens with a high level of safety within an area of free-
dom, security and justice by developing common action
among the Member States in the field of police mutatis
mutandis
international
cooperation.

in connection with other

On 21 June 1999 the Council adopted a resolution con-
cerning a handbook for international police cooperation
and measures to prevent and control violence distur-
bances
football
in connection with international
matches (1).

This resolution was replaced by the Council resolution of
6 December 2001 concerning a handbook with recom-
mendations for international police cooperation and mea-
sures to prevent and control violence and disturbances in
connection with football matches with an international
dimension,
least one Member State is
involved (2).

in which at

(5)

(6)

Taking into account experience in recent years, such as
the European Championships in 2004 and the experts’
assessment of international police cooperation in the
framework of that tournament as well as extensive police
cooperation in respect of international and club matches
in Europe generally, the handbook annexed to the afore-
mentioned resolution of 6 December 2001 has been
revised and updated.

The changes included in the annexed updated handbook
are without prejudice to existing national provisions, in
particular the divisions and responsibilities among the dif-
ferent authorities and services in the Member States con-
cerned, and to the exercise by the Commission of its
powers under
the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

HEREBY ADOPTS THIS RESOLUTION,

1. The Council requests Member States to continue to step up
police cooperation in respect of football matches with an
international dimension.

2. To that end, the updated handbook annexed hereto provides
examples of strongly recommended working methods that
should be made available to police forces.

(4)

The current resolution suggests that amendments to the
handbook be proposed in the light of recent experience.

3. This Resolution replaces

the Council Resolution of

6 December 2001.

(1) OJ C 196, 13.7.1999, p. 1.
(2) OJ C 22, 24.1.2002, p. 1.

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ANNEX

HANDBOOK WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL POLICE COOPERATION AND
MEASURES TO PREVENT AND CONTROL VIOLENCE AND DISTURBANCES IN CONNECTION WITH
FOOTBALL MATCHES WITH AN INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION, IN WHICH AT LEAST ONE MEMBER
STATE IS INVOLVED

Contents of the handbook:

1.

Information management by police forces

Organising authorities and police forces should take into account certain criteria that could be met with regard to
information management.

2.

Preparations by police forces

Organising authorities and police forces should involve police forces from participating countries in preparations at
an early stage.

3. Organising cooperation between police forces

Organising authorities and police forces should take into account certain criteria that could be met with regard to the
organisation of international police cooperation.

4. Cooperation between police forces and stewards

Organising authorities and police forces should involve those supervising fans from participating football associations
in providing support for the tasks to be carried out and establish maximum cooperation with them.

5. Checklist for media policy and communication strategy (police/authorities) relating to major (international) champi-

onships and matches

Police forces should make use of the media policy checklist.

6. Role of the organiser

Organising authorities should take into account the set of possible requirements for organisers in different areas.

7.

Expert meeting

There should be an expert meeting under each Presidency concerning the recommendations of the handbook and
related issues

8.

List of documents previously adopted by the Council

A list of documents previously adopted by the Council will give an idea of the measures taken hitherto.

CHAPTER 1

Information management by police forces

Section 1

C e r t a i n c r i t e r i a t h a t c o u l d b e m e t w i t h r e g a r d t o t h e m a n a g e m e n t o f

i n f o r m a t i o n

I.

INTRODUCTION

— The increase in various international and European competitions has given football issues an international

dimension.

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— With a view to the efficient management of football matches and, more specifically, in order to combat and
prevent football-related violence, the exchange of information is of the utmost importance. To achieve this
exchange of information, a permanent national (police) football information point (NFIP) must be established
by each Member State.

In accordance with Council Decision 2002/348/JHA (1) concerning the establishment of NFIPs, the NFIP in each
Member State acts as the central and sole contact point for the exchange of relevant information for football
matches with an international dimension, and for developing international police cooperation concerning foot-
ball matches. A Member State may decide to organise certain contacts on football-related aspects through the
relevant competent services, provided that the NFIP is provided with a minimum of information and insofar as
it does not jeopardise the quality and the efficiency of the activities.

— The relationship between the NFIP and the competent national authorities is subject to the applicable national

laws.

Member States must take all necessary measures to ensure that the NFIP is able to perform its tasks efficiently
and to a satisfactory standard.

The NFIP should be equipped with the necessary technical facilities to perform its tasks efficiently and swiftly.

The personnel of the NFIP should guarantee that the necessary police know-how is available with regard to
problems concerning football matches.

— At international level, the NFIP’s work on the basis of equivalence.

II. OBJECTIVES

— By coordinating the exchange of information on football matches, the NFIP should contribute to public order,

peace and safety, thus aiming at an efficient use of the available resources.

— The NFIP should also aim to facilitate international police cooperation regarding the police approach to the
football issues and to promote the exchange of information between the police services of the different countries.

III. TASKS WITH AN INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION

— The NFIP must support the competent national authorities. On the basis of information that has been analysed
and assessed, the necessary proposals or recommendations will be addressed to the competent national authori-
ties regarding the policy to be pursued by them on football-related issues.

— With regard to football matches with an international dimension, it is necessary that the NFIP has at its disposal,
for the benefit of the NFIPs of the other countries, an updated risk-analysis related to its own clubs and its
national team.

— In accordance with the applicable national and international legislation, the NFIP should be responsible for

administering the personal data regarding risk supporters.

— The NFIP is responsible for coordinating the exchange of police information in connection with football matches
with an international dimension. It could also extend this exchange of information to other law enforcement
services which contribute to safety or public order.

IV. EXCHANGE OF POLICE INFORMATION

1.

Kinds of information

A distinction can be made between general information and personal information.

(1) OJ L 121, 8.5.2002, p. 1.

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(a) General information

The general information can be divided into three categories:

— strategic information: information that defines the event in all its dimensions, with particular atten-

tion to the security risks at the event,

— operational information: information that helps to make a correct analysis of the issues surrounding

the event,

— tactical information: information that allows the person in charge at the operational level to respond

appropriately in connection with order and security surrounding the event.

(b)

Personal information

In this context, personal information refers to information kept on individuals who represent or may rep-
resent a danger to public order or to security in connection with the event or who may have been involved
in incidents, with a view to preparing or taking the appropriate measures (e.g. lists of stadium bans, photos
of the persons in question, etc.).

The information exchanged must serve a well-defined goal, i.e. contribute to the success of a specific mis-
sion. The use of the information supplied is limited in time and scope.

The exchange of personal information is subject to the applicable national and international law.

2.

Chronological sequence of information exchange

Three phases may be distinguished: before, during and after the event:

— before the event: from the moment it is known that a certain match will be played or a tournament

organised,

— during the event: period running from the first to the last aspect that influence or may influence public

order,

— after the event: concluding phase where debriefing and evaluation take place.

These three phases need not always be strictly separated.

The term ‘event’ is used to mean a specific football match or tournament in all its aspects.

(a) Task of the NFIP of the organising country

1.

Before the event (see Appendix 2, pre-match form)

At the strategic level, the information requirements are formulated, that is to say that the request for
information has to be forwarded to the NFIP of the other country (countries). This request shall con-
tain items such as the risk analysis of the supporters of the team in question, information regarding
the team itself and its accompanying party (when there is a threat), information regarding spotters,
etc.

The NFIP of the organising country should also provide, if possible, information on aspects such as
the applicable legislation and the policy of the authorities, information on the organisation of the
event, identification of officials and police chiefs in charge, etc.

All relevant information must be put at the disposal of the other NFIPs concerned.

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At the operational level, the NFIP of the other country (countries) is requested to supply information
regarding the movements of normal and risk supporters, the participating team and its accompanying
party (where there is a threat), ticket sales and possible requests for the participation of police officers
such as spotters, and of supporter coachers, together with any other relevant information.

The NFIP of the organising country can also supply information to the NFIP of the supporting coun-
try (countries) regarding the organisation of security, more specifically the integration of the spotters
within the local security system, guidelines for the supporters, etc. All relevant information can also
be put at the disposal of the other NFIPs concerned.

2. During the event (see Appendix 2, match form)

At the operational level, the NFIP of the organising country can request confirmation of the informa-
tion supplied, including the updating of the risk analysis. The request should be forwarded and
answered via a system of liaison officers if such a system has been set up.

At the tactical level, the NFIP of the organising country can provide the confirmation of the informa-
tion supplied by having all the actors involved carrying out checks on the spot. Proposals may then
be made for adjusting the measures. General information regarding the possible return of supporters
that have been expelled and/or refused entry should also be supplied to the NFIPs of the country of
origin and the transit countries.

The NFIP of the organising country can in addition supply the NFIPs of the country of origin and the
transit countries with the necessary information regarding the return of the supporters.

3. After the event (see Appendix 2, after match form)

At the strategic level, the NFIP of the organising country should assess supporter behaviour so that a
risk analysis of visitors can be updated by the NFIP of the supporting country. The host NFIP can also
evaluate the process of information exchange.

At the operational level, an assessment can be conducted as to the operational usefulness of the infor-
mation supplied by the NFIP of the other country (countries) and as to the support supplied by the
visiting country. The NFIP of the organising country can supply factual information concerning the
reported visitors and a description of the incidents. Information regarding possible arrests can also be
exchanged, with the legal possibilities being taken into account. The assessment of the foreign sup-
port should also be conducted.

(b) Mission of the NFIP of the supporting country

1.

Before the event (see Appendix 2, pre match form)

At the strategic level, the NFIP of the supporting country can supply on its own initiative all relevant
information to the other NFIPs concerned. The NFIP of the supporting country should supply the
NFIP of the organising country with answers to the questions formulated and provide relevant per-
sonal data as far as the law allows.

At the operational level, the questions asked should be answered. More specifically, this concerns the
answers to the questions concerning the movements of supporters, the participation of police officers
such as spotters and the sending of supporter coachers.

At the tactical level, preparations to integrate the police delegation can commence.

2. During the event (see Appendix 2, match form)

At the operational level, the information supplied should be updated and the movements and stay of
the supporters should be monitored. Useful information concerning supporter behaviour at home dur-
ing the championships or a tournament can also be supplied.

At the tactical level arrangements can be made for supporter movements to be monitored.

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3. After the event (see Appendix 2, after match form)

At the strategic level, the risk analysis should be adapted.

At the operational level, an assessment should be carried out concerning:

— the exchange of information based on the factual information supplied by the NFIP of the orga-

nising country,

— the operational usefulness of the exchange of information,

— the strategic and operational information given in advance by the NFIP of the organising country,

— the spotters’ work.

3.

Communication procedure

— The processing of information regarding matches with an international dimension must be coordinated via
the NFIP. The tactical, strategic and operational information is thus forwarded to the NFIP concerned. After
being processed, the information can be used by the NFIP itself or forwarded to the relevant authorities or
police services. Contacts between the police services of the different countries involved in an event are
coordinated and, if necessary, organised by the NFIP.

— The police forces of the organising country should ensure that lines of communication and information

facilities are clear to visiting police delegations, taking into account the nature of information.

— The NFIP or police service of the organising country should communicate with the national police force(s)
of the participating country (countries) concerned throughout the championships and/or match via the
liaison officer appointed and seconded by the country in question, if such a system of liaison officers is set
up. The liaison officer can have responsibility for tasks relating to public order, violent football hooligan-
ism and general crime, including terrorism, where it is connected with a particular football match or
tournament.

— If a local football information point is also in place, it is recommended that this information point coop-
erates with the NFIP, the latter being responsible for managing the event except where the Member State
decides otherwise. To this end, the NFIP can draw up the minimum criteria to be met in respect of this
cooperation. The local and national points should keep one another informed. This information flow should
take into account information provided by the liaison officer from the supporting country.

— The native language can be used for communication between the different NFIPs, with a copy in a working
language common to the two parties, unless other arrangements have been made between the parties
concerned.

— The NFIPs should communicate in such a way that the confidential character of the exchanged information
is guaranteed. The messages exchanged can be stored and may be consulted at a later date by other NFIPs
concerned, provided that the NFIP from which the information originates is provided with the opportunity
in advance to give its opinion on whether the information should be provided.

4. General rules

— The police force of the organising country should shield the liaison officer of the visiting police delegation

from any contact with the media, if the liaison officer so wishes.

— The liaison officer should be stationed at the NFIP for championships spread over a number of days and at

the local football information point for one-off matches in the host country concerned.

— The NFIP of the organising country should make arrangements to channel information received from the
visiting police delegation promptly to the proper authorities within its own police organisation. The NFIP
of the organising country should appoint an information officer to be attached to the visiting police del-
egation responsible for reconnaissance or spotting. That officer should serve as a contact for the team leader
and be responsible for the proper channelling of information.

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— The police forces of the organising country should ensure that there are no differences in the quality of

information available at local and national level.

A d d i t i o n a l r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s a b o u t

i n f o r m a t i o n m a n a g e m e n t b y p o l i c e s e r v i c e s

Section 2

— The NFIP can offer support to the competent national authorities. The NFIP can support the local police services with

regard to national or international football matches.

— The NFIP can coordinate the exchange of information regarding national football matches and coordinate and orga-

nise the spotters’ work.

— Permanent risk analysis means gaining an insight into the composition of the supporters groups, the hard-core sup-
porters, their behaviour and into how they relate to each other, the other hard-core supporters, foreigners and the
general public (various local population groups), etc.

— The NFIP can also act as a study centre and deal with the exchange of information on items such as the means and
methods used by the organisers to improve security (stewarding, ticketing, accreditation), the means and methods
used by the police services, the projects that may be developed to influence supporter behaviour, information regard-
ing the spotters’ work and the behaviour of supporters at home and abroad, etc. In addition to the police services,
civil servants and academics could contribute to the role of the football information point as a study centre.

— The NFIPs can ensure the exchange of information with third countries. Should these countries not have a NFIP at
their disposal, they could be asked to indicate a central, single contact point. The data regarding this central and
unique contact point in the third country involved should then be forwarded to the other NFIPs.

— It is recommended that the NFIPs communicate through a secure data communication system.

— The NFIP can, should the need arise and according to the situation in the country concerned, also be used as a con-
tact point for the exchange of information regarding sports issues other than football and/or regarding other matters
besides sporting events.

CHAPTER 2

Preparations by police forces

For international tournaments, the formal request for support should come from the minister of the department respon-
sible in the organising country, who will receive advice from the NFIP concerned. For other football matches with an
international dimension, the formal request for support should come from the NFIP in the organising country, who will
receive advice from the police forces concerned. Taking into account the specific aims of cooperation, the request should
indicate degree of support and its constituent elements and also the intended duration of the visiting police delegation’s
time in the host country.

— The detailed request for support should be agreed between NFIPs concerned well in advance of a championship and/or
match. The visiting police delegation will require a certain preparation time. In that context, a request for support
should be presented as soon as possible after the announcement of the date of the game. For one-off matches with
an international dimension, the visiting police delegation will require at least three weeks’ preparation time. For inter-
national tournaments, the visiting police delegation requires at least 16 weeks’ preparation time.

— It is highly recommended that the countries involved (through their respective NFIPs) reach early in the planning
phase a firm understanding on precisely which country and which agency will meet what expenses of international
police cooperation. It is proposed as a general rule, for prior agreement on each occasion, that the host country
should pay for accommodation and other facilities made available locally and that visiting countries should pay for
travel and salaries of the officers involved.

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— The police forces of organising countries should only request a visiting police delegation from countries that can
contribute added value. This added value should be considered in the light of a number of factors such as profes-
sional experience of football-related violence, knowledge about risk supporters and being able to provide informa-
tion so as to avert disturbances of public order and security. For countries which are involved and which want to
contribute added value in the future, the opportunity can be given to learn from experience.

— International police cooperation is geared to ensuring the safety of the event, with the following specific aims:

1.

intelligence gathering;

2.

reconnaissance;

3.

spotting;

4.

crowd control under police supervision;

5.

communication with supporters.

— Visiting police delegations are responsible for providing an advance risk analysis to be sent via their NFIP. This risk
analysis should be sent to the organising country at least two weeks before the beginning of the game. For interna-
tional tournaments, this risk analysis should be sent to the organising country at least eight weeks prior to the begin-
ning of the tournament.

— In the first instance, a risk analysis of the supporter group from the country concerned should determine which of
the five areas of police cooperation should be requested by the police force of the organising country. Police coop-
eration should, as far as intensity and extra deployment are concerned, move from intelligence gathering and com-
munication with supporters to offering advice to the host police on crowd control measures as the risk of public
disorder increases.

— Risk supporters should be accompanied where possible by members of the visiting police delegation who are
acquainted with them. The composition of the visiting police delegation will depend on knowledge of the visiting
supporters who are likely to be present. The possibilities for gathering reliable information from risk supporters about
their intentions at the time of the event should be a decisive factor.

— The size of the visiting police delegation should be determined in consultation between the NFIPs of the host and

visiting countries.

— The size of the police delegation should not therefore be the same for all countries, but should relate to some extent

to the number of visiting supporters and the threat and risk they pose.

— Depending on the nature of the support to be provided and the size of the delegation, the allocation of roles within

the delegation could be as follows:

(1)

(2)

a head of delegation who is functionally and hierarchically in charge; if, however, there is a national police coor-
dination centre, the leader is only the liaison officer’s hierarchical superior; functional responsibility for the liai-
son officer should then lie with the head of the coordination centre;

a liaison officer responsible in particular for the exchange of information between his home country and the
host country. In view of the varied expertise involved in the areas of public order and violent football hooligan-
ism, the national liaison officer could propose that the host country agree to the secondment of a second liaison
officer to the host country’s coordination centre;

(3) operational police officers with reconnaissance, spotting, supporter liaison or escorting duties;

(4)

an operations coordinator with the task of coordinating the work of the operational police officers and chan-
nelling information;

(5)

a press officer.

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— The police force(s) in the organising country should provide an opportunity for the visiting police delegation to
acquaint themselves with the organisation of police operations in the host country and/or the venue town(s) and
with stadium location, and to get to know the operational commander(s) at the venue town(s) on the match day(s). For
international tournaments, this should take place at least one month prior to the tournament; for international games,
this can be on one of the days prior to the match.

CHAPTER 3

Organising cooperation between police forces

— Efficient preparation of the police action in the host country is based on a comprehensive exchange of information,
in accordance with the principles which are to be found in Chapter 1 of this handbook. Police action in a host coun-
try can be qualitatively improved if police support in the field is obtained from at least the countries from which
supporters come.

— The management of the local police forces and the NFIP must be kept informed about the work of the visiting police

delegation throughout their stay.

— Maximum use should be made of the support that visiting police delegation can provide, which as such should form
part of the host police organisation’s tactical plan. This means that the visiting police delegation should be informed,
in a language they can understand, about the host police organisation’s tactical plan, that they should be given the
possibility to attend briefing and debriefing procedures, that they should be given the opportunity to become an
explicit partner in the information structure (so that they can give information as well as be informed) and that they
should be actively included in the police deployment in the field. As regards the use of languages, arrangements
should be made in advance by the countries concerned.

— The head of the visiting police delegation could, if desired, have his/her own press officer.

— The press officer assigned to a visiting police delegation should shield the members of the delegation from the media,

if appropriate.

— The host police organisation should ensure the physical safety of the visiting police delegation by accompanying
them throughout their stay. The visiting police delegation should always ensure that their actions do not unnecessar-
ily jeopardise the safety of their fellow countryman or foreign colleagues. In case of emergency (i.e. when there is an
immediate threat for his/her physical safety) or when it is jointly agreed for tactical reasons, the foreign police officer
makes use of the standard luminous and distinctive visiting police identification vests, as described in Appen-
dix 4. Each foreign police officer will bring this vest when he/she travels abroad.

— The police force of the organising country, in consultation with the football organisers, should ensure that the visit-
ing police delegation has appropriate access and accreditation (seating not required) to enable the delegation to carry
out their tasks properly. The stewards should be made aware of this at the briefing prior to the game.

— Where possible, the police forces of the country from which the supporters come should under the coordination of
the NFIP supervise risk supporters from the start of their journey until they reach the country where the match is to
be played. Responsibility will be duly transferred between police forces at national borders (including transport and
railway police). With regard to the journey of these risk supporters, the necessary information should be forwarded
to the organising country so that, insofar as the local law allows, these risk supporters can be prevented from enter-
ing the country. Countries which have the legal possibility to prevent risk supporters from travelling abroad should
take all the necessary measures to achieve this objective effectively and should inform the organising country accord-
ingly. Each country should take all possible measures to prevent its own citizens from participating in and/or organ-
ising public order disturbances in another country.

— The host police organisation should assign an appropriate accompanying police team based on the size of the visit-
ing police delegation, with sufficient language knowledge and proficiency to maintain operational contact with the
team and make reports. This accompanying police team should be sufficiently familiar with football hooliganism and
with the tasks of the visiting police delegation, and should also have knowledge of maintaining public order and
safety. The accompanying police team should be thoroughly briefed on their own task, on the task of the visiting
police delegation and on the tactical plan of the host police organisation. The accompanying police team should stay
with the visiting police delegation for the duration of the operation.

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— The police forces of the organising country should have available sufficient interpreters for the languages spoken by
supporters from visiting countries. This could save visiting police delegations from the various countries from having
to do too much interpreting, which would keep them from actual operational tasks. These interpreters could also
facilitate communication between the organising country’s police forces and the visiting police delegation.

— The host police organisation should provide the visiting police delegation with the necessary communications equip-

ment, which meets the needs of the visiting police delegations,

— The visiting police delegation should consult with the police force of the organising country about the equipment to

be brought and the use made of it.

CHAPTER 4

Cooperation between police forces and stewards

— Police forces and stewards’ organisations should work together on a complementary basis, without prejudice to each

side’s own responsibilities and tasks.

— The powers and tasks of any visiting stewards must be agreed well in advance with the host police and match

organisers.

Checklist for media policy and communication strategy (police/authorities) relating to major (international)
championships and matches

CHAPTER 5

I. MEDIA POLICY

1. Determining the strategic aim of media policy

The central aim should be seen as ensuring police authorities’ cooperation with the media in informing the
public at national and international level of forthcoming championships and preparations and providing those
attending matches with appropriate police advice concerning their security.

Media policy is one of the instruments used in a communication strategy. It should demonstrate the supportive
role played by the police and authorities in watching over the festive nature of championships.

Comment:

In order to ensure a balanced media policy, it is first necessary to determine the strategic aim. All further policy
developments are geared to achieving that aim. Account must be taken of the media interest in specific infor-
mation, such as the response by police authorities to the problems of football hooliganism and violence. This
clearly signals what will and will not be tolerated.

2. Determining the desired results of media policy

An active media policy should aim at:

— creating a positive public image for the policy pursued by police and authorities,

— promoting amenities for those attending matches and encouraging a sporting attitude on their part,

— discouraging misbehaviour by those attending: misbehaviour does not pay,

— providing security information,

— informing the public of police measures and the steps which will be taken in the case of disturbances.

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Comment:

Media policy should never give the impression that nothing can go wrong, rather it should show that there has
been proper preparation and that there are no grounds for panic.

3. Nature of media policy

— it should convey the idea of overall control,

— it should suggest security and trust,

— it should make it clear that football hooliganism will be severely dealt with,

— it should be geared to openness and transparency.

II.

COMMUNICATION STRATEGY

1. Methods of achieving the aim

— relations should be established with the media well in advance, focusing on championships or matches,

— cooperation between the press services of police, local authorities, national authorities, football organisa-
in communicating an unambiguous policy or view of individual areas of

tions, UEFA, FIFA, etc.,
responsibility,

— making arrangements for police information to be provided to all those concerned, including the football

association, supporters’ clubs, tourist offices, carriers and other undertakings,

— information folder for those attending from abroad, possibly combined with other tourist information,

— setting up a clearly identified press office for the duration of championships, with press officers and media

spokesmen,

— daily press conferences and provision for interviews and other appropriate information facilities during

championships,

— organisation of press conferences before championships in order to make clear the approach to coopera-

tion with the press.

2. Means of achieving the aim/tips for success

— appointment of professional press correspondents at local, regional and central level,

— multilingual police press officers available to the media in the press centre,

— production of a national or bi-national information folder,

— production of information with a local slant,

— inclusion of reports on security and facilities in local tourist-office publications and other local newspapers

and publications,

— making known the number of arrests for public disorder, possession of weapons, forged admission tickets,

black-market ticket sales and drunkenness, etc.,

— assessment of international, national and local media press reports relating to the preparation and progress

of championships,

— setting up a national working party on media policy cooperation.

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3.

Important topics for consideration

1.

The crux of the message must be established

Comment:

First determine what the crux of the message should be. Make this clear in interviews with the
journalist/journalists.

2.

The crux of the message must be achievable

Comment:

Do not express any standpoints which are not practicable. Where this happens, the power of the media
instrument to influence behaviour is undermined. The policy announced by the police must therefore be
maintained.

3.

Timely preparation

Comment:

Use the time between submission of candidacy and championships for careful preparation of a media policy
specifying the individual roles and responsibilities of police/authorities.

4.

Planning

Comment:

Include media policy throughout the planning stage and take the initiative in determining when the media
will actually be informed.

5.

Continuity and frequency of media contacts

Comment:

It is extremely important that exchanges of information and opportunities for press/media briefings are
provided on a continuous and regular basis. Allowance should be made for the media’s need for rapid
information.

6. Media projects

Police and authorities should make sure in the case of specific media projects that sufficient attention is
paid to the police in the area of police information.

7.

Readiness to deal with incidents

Comment:

Once even a single incident occurs, the interest of the media switches swiftly from the sporting event to
the public disturbance. Account should be taken of the fact that a sports reporter has a different angle
from a police reporter.

8.

The media are enterprising

Comment:

Account should be taken of the fact that the media will also seek information from sources other than the
police. Special attention should be paid to police strategies and police intervention.

9. Openness, comprehensiveness and topicality

Comment:

Let the media know how the police/authorities will act when necessary. There are no grounds for fearing
the media if police planning and preparations are adequate. The police should provide comprehensive infor-
mation. That information should be verifiable and up-to-date.

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10. Display of confidence

Comment:

It is important to have confidence in individual police preparations and to display and communicate such
confidence to the media. Police and authorities should assume full responsibility for their security
arrangements.

11.

Interviews

Comment:

Measures should be taken to prepare police authorities for their contacts with the media. Ensure that the
police officer maintains his contacts from an appropriate workplace. The media should preferably be con-
tacted orally in person.

12. Limitation/demarcation

Provide information about individual areas of policy responsibility and intervention.

Comment:

There should be clear agreements between the various authorities on who is to inform the media and the
type of information to be given. Media appearances by police and authorities should concentrate on their
own responsibilities and interventions.

13. Failures/recriminations

Comment:

Partners should avoid discussions in the media or expressing recriminations over failures.

14. Cooperation

Comment:

Media policy should never be developed without consulting the other partners. Media policy itself is a pro-
cess of cooperation.

15. Agreements with foreign police teams concerning spokesmen

Comment:

Where the police of the host country is given support by police teams from other countries, and the for-
eign police are approached directly by the media, it should be agreed that the matter be referred to the
police information services of the host country.

Exceptions to this rule may be made if the supporting police team, with the approval of the host country,
has added its own specialist press officer (spokesman) to the team.

16.

Involvement of police colleagues from the country of origin of supporters

Comment:

In interviews/press conferences in the country of origin of supporters, use should be made of assistance by
colleagues from that country. They have the facilities and press contacts and they know the local and
national reporters, including the persuasions of the press organisations for which they work.

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17. Preparation of a list of national press services for the police of the organising country

Comment:

The police services of the individual countries should draw up a list of the most important press services
with the sectors they target for the police of the organising country. With the help of this list, the police of
the organising country can supply those press services directly with information.

18. Taking account of the type of press service

Comment:

In providing information on security, account must be taken of the type of press service and the sector
which it targets. Sports reporters have less experience of providing information on security. This should be
taken into account when drawing up press reports and issuing press releases.

19. Setting up a joint national working party

Comment:

A joint working party should be set up involving all partners: the police covering the match venues, the
central information office on football hooliganism, the football organisation and the national authorities.

20. Factual information

Comment:

All representatives of police and authorities should communicate with the media on the basis of the same
background information and with the greatest precision. In order to coordinate factual information, it may
be useful to draw up common briefing notes and standard replies to regularly recurring questions. There
should be daily exchanges of information on the questions asked by the media.

21. Written communiqué

Comment:

Press conferences should be backed up with a written communiqué. This has the advantage of ensuring
that:

— the text can be given careful consideration,

— texts can be authorised for the press,

— an unambiguous message is conveyed (no subsequent arguments about ‘misunderstandings’).

22.

Information folder

An information folder should be made available to supporters, indicating the kind of behaviour that is
culturally acceptable or unacceptable and the kind of breaches of the law which will lead to action being
taken.

Advice should be given on ancillary matters with a view to ensuring that the supporters feel welcome.

The folder should be distributed when tickets are sold.

23.

Involvement of the public

Comment:

The public may be asked to take an active role by notifying the police of suspicious behaviour.

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24. Winding-down strategy

The press office should close towards the end of the championships, but information should continue to
be provided by the central police command office. Notification should be given of when the police press
officer will be available for debriefing and a final press conference.

25. Assessment of media policy

Comment:

When the championships have ended, an assessment report should be drawn up on the media policy pur-
sued and experience with the media. Aspects with lessons for the future should be noted. This should also
involve any police forces from other countries which have provided support.

26. Assessment of the European Union/police cooperation checklist for media policy

The police of the organising country should use the national assessment of media policy as a basis for
deciding whether individual aspects of the European Union checklist require supplementing or adjustment.

CHAPTER 6

Role of the organiser (1)

Section 1

C r i t e r i a w i t h w h i c h t h e o r g a n i s e r s h o u l d c o m p l y

— All the sufficient and necessary measures taken by the organisers of national or international football games should

contribute to avoiding disturbances of the peace.

— An efficient policy as regards the organisation of national or international football games should be the result of an
overall approach between all the parties concerned. Successful cooperation between the organiser, the private actors
involved, the authorities and police services is therefore strongly recommended.

— Member States should identify who is responsible as the organiser of the match or, if responsibility is divided between

two or more bodies, who is to be responsible for what functions.

— For the sake of public order and safety, the authorities and the police services concerned should impose on the orga-
niser prior minimal requirements which they have to meet in order to organise national or international games. Such
requirements mean that the organiser and other services concerned should assume the responsibility which is incum-
bent upon them and their aim should be to enable the police forces to concentrate on their principal duties of uphold-
ing law and order.

— The organiser of a national or international football game should take all the necessary precautionary measures in
order to prevent damage to persons and goods, including all practical measures for the prevention of spectator
misconduct.

Section 2

A d d i t i o n a l r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s i n t h e f o r m o f a c h e c k l i s t o f p o s s i b l e d e m a n d s t o b e
i m p o s e d o n t h e o r g a n i s e r

— The organisers of a national or international football game should do everything in their powers to ensure public
order and safety in and around the stadium, before, during and after the game, so that the police can be deployed as
economically as possible.

(1) Organiser refers to the legal or natural person who organises or instructs a person to organise, wholly or in part, a national or interna-

tional football game, on his/her own initiative or on the initiative of a third party.

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— To this end the checklist in Appendix 3 could be used indicatively. It contains demands which the authorities and
police services could impose on the organiser of a football game with regard to its organisation. It is recommended
that those provisions be supported by national legislation.

Chapter 7

Expert meeting

It is highly recommended that each Presidency holds an expert meeting concerning:

— the recommendations mentioned in Chapters1 to 6,

— new trends/developments in supporter behaviour,

— international links between supporter groups,

— sharing of good policing practice,

— any other issues of interest.

The expert meeting can commission subgroups of experts to consider emerging issues in the field of security in connec-
tion with football matches and make recommendations.

The Presidency shall report to the Council on the result of the meeting. This report replaces the annual questionnaire on
football hooliganism required by document 8356/01 ENFOPOL 40.

Chapter 8

List of documents previously adopted by the Council

1.

Council recommendation of 30 November 1993 concerning the responsibility of organisers of sporting events.

2.

3.

4.

Council recommendation of 1 December 1994 concerning direct, informal exchanges of information with the CCEEs
in the area of international sporting events (network of contact persons).

Council recommendation of 1 December 1994 concerning exchange of information on the occasion of major events
and meetings (network of contact persons).

Council recommendation of 22 April 1996 on guidelines for preventing and restraining disorder connected with
football matches, with an annexed standard format for the exchange of police intelligence on football hooligans
(OJ C 131, 3.5.1996, p. 1).

5.

Joint Action of 26 May 1997 with regard to cooperation on law and order and security (OJ L 147, 5.6.1997, p. 1).

6.

7.

8.

Council resolution of 9 June 1997 on preventing and restraining football hooliganism through the exchange of expe-
rience, exclusion from stadiums and media policy (OJ C 193, 24.6.1997, p. 1).

Council resolution of 21 June 1999 concerning a handbook for international police cooperation and measures to
prevent and control violence and disturbances in connection with international football matches (OJ C 196, 13.7.1999,
p. 1).

Council resolution of 6 December 2001 concerning a handbook with recommendations for international police coop-
eration and measures to prevent and control violence and disturbances in connection with football matches with an
international dimension, in which at least one Member State is involved (OJ C 22, 24.1.2002, p. 1).

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9.

Council Decision of 25 April 2002 concerning security in connection with football matches with an international
dimension (OJ L 121, 8.5.2002, p. 1).

10. Council Resolution of 17 November 2003 on the use by Member States of bans on access to venues of football

matches with an international dimension (OJ C 281, 22.11.2003, p. 1).

11. Table of national contacts on hooliganism.

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Appendix 1

CATEGORISATION OF FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS

Taking into account document 8241/05 ENFOPOL 40 concerning dynamic risk assessment in the context of international
football matches and 8243/05 ENFOPOL 41 concerning police tactical performance for public order management in con-
nection with international football matches, the supporter categories are changed as detailed below:

Definition of a ‘Risk’ Supporter

A person, known or not, who can be regarded as posing a possible risk to public order or antisocial behaviour, whether
planned or spontaneous, at or in connection with a football event (see dynamic risk assessment below).

Definition of a ‘Non-risk’ Supporter

A person, known or not, who can be regarded as posing no risk to the cause of or contribution to violence or disorder,
whether planned or spontaneous, at or in connection with a football event.

SUMMARY OF 8241/05 ENFOPOL 40 — DYNAMIC RISK ASSESSMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERNATIONAL
FOOTBALL MATCHES:

— Identify the circumstances and behaviours that may contribute to incidents (not just profiling and categorising prob-

lem supporters).

— Clearly distinguish between risks for specific types of incidents, such as public order problems, public safety prob-

lems, criminality in relation to mass events and terrorism.

— Distinguish between matches with normal risk and matches with increased risk (in relation to the four areas

mentioned).

— Specify ‘increased risk’ wherever it is identified.

— Summarise and assess information on the following points:

— Indications of whether or not individuals/groups are making plans/show a readiness to be involved in incidents;

— Identify recent events, the current situation and characteristics of the football match and the location where the

match is to take place that may increase or decrease the risks involved and how these factors interact;

— Identify situations (e.g. loss of the match, provocations by other supporters, police measures) that have contrib-
uted to the initiation of incidents in the past or have led individuals/groups to respond in more extreme ways;

— Identify behaviour by individuals/groups that is indicative of initiation of/involvement in incidents.

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SUMMARY OF 8243/05 ENFOPOL 41 — POLICE TACTICAL PERFORMANCE FOR PUBLIC ORDER MANAGEMENT IN
CONNECTION WITH INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL MATCHES:

— The most effective way of policing public order is to maintain a balance between the perceived levels of risk and the

nature of policing deployment.

— For a successful public order management to help decrease the likelihood of incidents, it is crucial that police tactics

fit closely with the relevant risk assessments.

— It is of great practical importance to know and assess the social identities of the various (sub) groups of supporters,
their values and standards, aims and goals, their sense of what is right and proper, their stereotypes and expectations
of other groups, their history of interaction with these groups and anything (dates, places, objects forms of action)
that has particular significance.

RISK SUPPORTER CHECKLIST

Elements

Supporting comments

Public order

Historical rivalry between clubs

Expected violence

Racist behaviour

Away supporters likely in home sector

Pitch invasion

Alcohol-related problems

Use of weapons

Knowledge of police tactics

Other

Public safety

Terrorist threat

Political tension/use of banners

Use of flares/fireworks likely

Travelling supporters without tickets

Black market tickets

Other

Criminal activity

Counterfeit tickets

Sale/use of illegal drugs

Other

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PRE-MATCH/MATCH/AFTER-MATCH FORMS (CATEGORIES NON-RISK/RISK SUPPORTERS)

Appendix 2

2.1. PRE-MATCH FORM

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THIS INFORMATION WILL BE USED ONLY FOR POLICE PURPOSES!

2.2. MATCH FORM

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2.3. AFTER-MATCH FORM

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CHECKLIST CONCERNING POSSIBLE REQUIREMENTS TO BE MET BY THE ORGANISER

Appendix 3

Requirements to be met by the organiser

Indicate where
applicable

1.

Appointment of a safety officer

— The appointment of a safety officer for the coordination and conduct of safety policy.

— The safety officer is authorised to take operational decisions concerning safety.

— The safety officer has to be accessible at any time.

— As far as issues involving the organiser are concerned, the safety arrangements are made in consultation
with the competent authorities and police services and with the safety officer appointed by the
organiser.

2.

Safety standards with regard to infrastructure

— The stadium infrastructure makes it possible to separate efficiently rival supporters, both at the entrance

and at the stadium itself.

— Only a stadium or parts of stadiums that conform to nationally and/or internationally imposed security

standards are used.

— Minimum safety standards:

— the external boundaries of the stadium are indicated by a fence which is designed to prevent any

form of uncontrolled entrance of persons, objects or substances,

— there are enough (emergency) exits which cannot serve simultaneously as entrances and which
offer sufficient safety guarantees, should evacuation require spectators to leave the stadium or
move towards the pitch,

— the stadium and its constituent parts must meet the necessary requirements as regards fire

regulations, resistance and structural stability,

— an operations room, which accommodates the representatives of the emergency services, the
public order officials and the organiser, is, as a coordination point during the game, equipped with
the necessary technical devices for closed-circuit security, a security camera system and a PA
system for notifying spectators. These cameras must make it possible to spot every incident and
identify the troublemakers,

— the stadium has medical aid stations and adequate sanitary facilities suited to the stadium’s

capacity,

— there is adequate separation of rival supporters,

— the necessary signs and pictograms must be present in the stadium so as to guide the spectators
to the emergency exits and/or to the precise sector for which they have an entry ticket,

— a maximum capacity per sector must be determined according to the stadium’s safe capacity,

— the stadium must undergo regular maintenance and all loose or damaged parts, all waste or

objects that can be used as missiles ought to be either repaired or removed,

— technical, electrical and gas facilities must be installed and maintained in compliance with the

general standards in force.

3.

Employment of stewards

— Sufficient, properly recruited and adequately trained stewards are required in order to receive and

supervise the spectators.

— The stewards perform the following duties:

— receiving and supervising spectators,

— inspecting the stadium facilities before and after the game,

— providing the spectators with all the information that they need regarding organisation,

infrastructure and rescue teams,

— limited checks of clothes and luggage, should there be reasonable grounds for doing this, and to

the extent that the applicable national legislation allows,

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Requirements to be met by the organiser

Indicate where
applicable

— checking that ground regulations are observed,

— ensuring that the public does not gain access to prohibited places,

— helping spectators to enter and leave the stadium smoothly and without difficulty,

— providing the emergency services and the police with all information pertaining to spectators

who are likely to disturb public order,

— taking all the appropriate measures while awaiting the intervention of the police and emergency

services,

— taking preventive action in any situation which is likely to threaten public order.

— In recruiting stewards, care must be taken to ensure that stewards meet the requirements as regards

physical and psychological suitability for performing their tasks.

— The training of the stewards should cover the following theoretical and practical topics:

— the organisation of and the safety procedures with regard to football games,

— the basic legislation and regulations in force, including the ground regulations,

— communication techniques,

— observation and identification techniques,

— entrance check techniques,

— approach to conflicts,

— first aid and fire safety,

— procedures for evacuating the stadium,

— cooperation with emergency services and police services,

— a training course for certain matches.

— The stewards must be given regular refresher courses related to the developments and possible changes

in the aforementioned areas.

— The stewards must be briefed prior to each match. The aim is to give the stewards the necessary

information according to the specific circumstances of each game.

— When on duty, stewards must wear a fluorescent outer garment which distinguishes them from regular

spectators and which bears the inscription ‘STEWARD’.

— The organiser or the authority concerned can call upon stewards from the visiting team. This kind of
support is only useful when these stewards can provide added value. This added value is assessed in the
light of certain criteria such as sufficient experience of working as a steward and knowing one’s own
supporters.

4.

Ticketing policy and ticket control

(a)

Ticketing policy

— Ticketing policy is an important instrument in promoting safety and order in stadiums. In
particular, it centres on the separation of rival fans, prevention of overcrowding and control of
spectator movements, and on enforcing stadium bans previously imposed by football
organisations or other competent bodies.

— When establishing a ticket policy, organisers must take into account Community competition
rules. In applying those rules, the Commission will take into account factors relating to the
maintenance of order and safety.

— Starting points:

— The distribution of tickets should ensure that fans of the participating teams are separated

into sections.

— Ticket distribution policy and the allocation of tickets among participating countries should

reflect ticket demand from fans in those countries.

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EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 322/35

Requirements to be met by the organiser

Indicate where
applicable

— Sales policy should be designed to prevent black-market sales and ticket fraud.

— Fans should be prevented from buying tickets for a section of the stadium not designated for

them.

— Tickets should provide information about the holder of the ticket, its origin, the game to be

played and the assigned seat; in short it should provide a history.

(b)

Ticket control

— Ticket policy should be given practical effect through ticket control in which:

— The separation of supporters is achieved by a strict allocation of tickets providing seats or
standing places to separate rival groups of supporters. This means that, the place (seat) in the
stadium is determined by the team followed and/or the nationality of the supporter.

— Ticket policy should be designed so that allocation and hence separation of rival fans cannot

be circumvented through the transfer of tickets in any form.

— Overcrowding is prevented by ensuring that the number of tickets allocated for open sale is
determined by stadium infrastructure. The prevention of counterfeit or forged tickets will
also prevent overcrowding.

— Should it not be possible to separate supporters under given circumstances, alternative
security measures ought to be provided for the ground sections in question, e.g. reinforced
closed-circuit cameras, more stewards, separate entrances, etc.

— The basic premise is that the admission capacity of each stadium will be determined in the light
of risk analysis and that the full capacity is not completely sold. Some leeway is necessary in order
to admit fans with tickets for the wrong section, which is determined by the team supported
and/or the nationality of the fans.

— Spectator movements in and around the stadium are controlled by adequately dividing the

stadium into recognisable sections and providing relevant signposting.

— Stadium bans are enforced by the arrangements made for applications for and distribution of

tickets and by measures against any form of transfer of tickets issued.

— Registration by the organisers as part of ticket control forms an important source of information

for the organisers, the management and the police.

— Ticket control is geared to stadium admission and involves:

— the printing of admission tickets,

— the distribution of admission tickets,

— admission checks.

Realisation

A.

Admission tickets should meet strict quality requirements

— Match and stadium data should be given.

— Code of conduct for fans.

— Conditions for admission to and presence in the stadium in the spectators’ own language.

— Name of the holder and name of the ticket agent/distributor.

— In principle, the buyer of the ticket is also the end user.

— Tickets should be forgery-proof.

— Each ticket should be accompanied by a notice in which the organisers indicate that:

— specified objects may not be taken into the stadium,

— alcoholic beverages and/or drugs are prohibited when entering or when present inside the

stadium,

C 322/36

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

29.12.2006

Requirements to be met by the organiser

Indicate where
applicable

— action will be taken in response to the throwing of fireworks or other objects in the stadium,

— action will be taken in response to any form of insulting or racist behaviour,

— occupying a seat not matching the number on the ticket could result in expulsion from the

stadium,

— spectators at matches must agree to being searched when entering the stadium and are

required to produce identification, on request, when presenting admission tickets.

B.

There should be the following requirements for the distribution of tickets

— In information campaigns, the organiser should publicise the official sales outlets and method of
sale and urge the public not to buy admission tickets elsewhere, warning them that the
distribution system leaves no scope for black-market sales.

— The organiser should continually monitor ticket holdings per country and per distributor.

— Available tickets should be distributed to target groups in such a way as to allow sufficient tickets,
in all fairness and to the extent permissible under Community competition rules, both for the
general public and for fans of participating teams.

— The organiser must impose an obligation to return tickets on national associations in countries

with insufficient sales.

— The organiser must impose an obligation on the official distributor to return unsold tickets.

— The organiser should bear in mind that distribution and sale of admission tickets in batches will
improve control over the sale process. The organiser should impose reliability requirements for
distributors.

— In the event of irregularities, the organiser should have the power to intervene in the distribution

process at any time.

— The organiser should impose an information requirement on distributors, who should inform the
if possible together with travel schedules and

organiser of the progress of ticket sales,
accommodation.

— If applications for tickets are not made exclusively within national associations or the individual
individual applicants should indicate the team they
football clubs of spectators or fans,
support. This can be taken into account on public order and safety grounds during the final
allocation of tickets.

— Admission tickets should not be transferable.

— Persons on whom stadium bans have been imposed will not be issued admission tickets.

— No tickets will be sold on the day of the match.

— Purchasers will not be supplied with more than two tickets. The tickets will be issued in their

names.

— The final delivery of tickets should be as late as possible (exchangeable vouchers).

— The organiser must provide assurances that the person whose name appears on a ticket, the

ticketholder, will ultimately receive that ticket.

C.

Requirements for proper admission policy and control

— The organiser will announce in advance those spectators who will be admitted to the stadium and

those who will be refused admission.

— Those on whom stadium bans have been imposed will not be admitted in any case.

— Spectators clearly under the influence of alcohol will not be admitted.

— Spectators will not be admitted if they are carrying objects that could pose a threat to safety and

order in the stadium.

— Spectators will not be admitted if they are carrying objects that in any way reflect political aims,

discrimination, racism or insulting attitudes.

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Official Journal of the European Union

C 322/37

Requirements to be met by the organiser

Indicate where
applicable

— Admission controls should be of a high standard, including the searching of persons and

enforcing of stadium bans.

— Smooth admission controls should prevent lengthy queuing.

— Admission controls should guard against overcrowding of stadium sections.

— Where automatic admission systems are used, they should meet high standards of reliability and

continuity.

(c) Accreditation

— In addition to the ticketing policy, the accreditation strategy represents one of the key instruments
in order to ensure safety in the stadium. The accreditation system is to prevent overcrowding and
must make it possible to manage the crowds and to undertake crowd control.

Realisation:

— Accreditation is given only to the person who is to perform a specific function within a definite

area of the stadium, and the accreditation is issued only for the given area.

— The accreditation does not entitle the person to a seat in the stadium.

— An accreditation is not transferable.

— The accreditation has to be fraud-proof.

5.

Stadium regulations — civil-law exclusion

— Stadium regulations are laid down in writing. They comprise the organiser’s internal rules, and set out
as a minimum the prohibited items and the forms of behaviour which are not tolerated, as well as rules
with regard to the handing in of objects.

— The supporters are notified clearly and continuously of the ground regulations.

— The necessary measures to ensure implementation of the ground regulations and to check their

observance are taken.

— A regulation on civil-law exclusion is laid down. This exclusion is imposed on people whose actions

or behaviour infringe the stadium regulations.

— The necessary measures to ensure the enforcement of the civil exclusion and to check its observance

are taken.

6.

Agreement(s) which is (are) to be concluded (1)

— The organiser of a national or international football game concludes an agreement regarding its
obligations, with the authorities, the police services and emergency services concerned. This agreement
makes it possible to lay down the organiser’s obligations in a contract and make them enforceable.

— This agreement is drawn up within a reasonable period of time prior to the game, tournament or

competition and includes the organiser’s obligations and responsibilities.

— This agreement comprises at least the following provisions:

— the maximum number of spectators who may be admitted into the stadium,

— the provisions with regard to the stadium’s safety standards,

— the applicable emergency plan and evacuation plan,

— the plan of the stadium,

— the agreements concluded with regard to the organiser’s obligations and responsibilities, more
precisely with respect to the ticketing and accreditation policy, the deployment of the stewards,
the closed-circuit camera security system, the alcohol policy, the agreements concerning
prohibited objects, the agreements as regards the exchange of information with the organiser (in
particular any information in respect of the police services concerning the programme of football
matches (competitive games or friendly games) at international level, which involves consultation
before the date of the game is decided), etc.

C 322/38

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

29.12.2006

Requirements to be met by the organiser

Indicate where
applicable

7.

Local charter

— The organiser of a national or international football game and all parties involved including the police
and local authorities, the supporters’ clubs, the local residents (or residents’ associations) and the
transport companies conclude a local charter, which aims at building a relationship based on mutual
trust.

— This local charter guarantees thus the safety of all the supporters, local residents and other parties

involved, both inside and outside the stadium.

— This local charter contains the following provisions:

— linking membership of a supporters’ club or federation with certain conditions; failure to fulfil
these conditions will lead to exclusion from the supporters’ clubs and to a ban on entry to the
stadium for those persons,

— promoting the advance sales of admission tickets,

— a clear and concrete description of how to deal with problems which arise when the security

standards are not met, with details of any alternative security standards,

— exchanging information as regards supporters’ whereabouts, intentions and habits,

— formulating solutions with regard to the problems of the local residents and the people living in

the neighbourhood,

— reaching agreements with the transport companies involved.

— The organiser of a national or international football game includes in this local charter a timetable for

achieving the various schemes and/or initiatives to be launched.

(1) This relates to (an) agreement(s) that can be concluded with the different organisations involved in the football events and may involve

the imposition of requirements or the issue of permits by the public authorities. This in turn can result in liability for damages.

29.12.2006

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Official Journal of the European Union

C 322/39

Appendix 4

SPECIFICATIONS FOR AND SAMPLE OF POLICE IDENTIFICATION VESTS

This is a slip-on (over-the-head) non-sleeve vest

Colour: NATO BLUE

Colour code: Pantone 279C

Identification markers

Single word: POLICE (in English only) with a box border — to be positioned in the centre of the vest both front and back.

POLICE letters and border: NATO blue background.

Both letters and the surrounding box to be luminous silver.

Box measurements = 25 cm × 9 cm

POLICE letters:

width = 1,3 cm per letter
height = 7,5 cm

Vest front:

Left breast (above POLICE box): national flag 10 cm × 7cm - embroidered/sewn on or in a plastic sleeve.

Right breast (above POLICE box): EU symbol 8 cm × 8 cm

Below the POLICE box should be a luminous silver band across the front of the vest × 5 cm wide.

Vest rear:

National flag above POLICE box: 10 cm × 7 cm

Below the POLICE box should be a luminous silver band across the rear of the vest × 5 cm wide.

Vests should be able to be secured by means of either Velcro or popper-type fasteners on both sides.