Acts concerning safety and security at sports events to enter into force in March

New acts will improve safety and security at football matches and other sports events. The Government issued decrees providing that the acts on the Council of Europe Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events and on amendments to the Assembly Act will enter into force on 1 March. The President of the Republic confirmed the acts on 16 December 2021.

The aim of the Council of Europe Convention is to create a safe and secure environment and a positive atmosphere at football matches and other sports events. The previous Convention from 1985 was denounced on 4 January 2022, and the denunciation will become effective on 1 August 2022.

“Safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the participants, ensuring the smooth running of the event and creating a welcoming atmosphere must all be taken into account when organising sports events. This can be achieved, among other things, by updating the provisions on the security measures of events and on public order and security,” says Jouko Huhtamäki, Ministerial Adviser from the Ministry of the Interior.

According to the Convention, different stakeholders connected with event arrangements will be involved more extensively than before in ensuring the safety and security of spectators. 

In addition, the Assembly Act was amended to ensure that certain provisions in the Convention concerning safety and emergency planning are taken into account in connection with the events referred to in the Convention. 

Inquiries:
Jouko Huhtamäki, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 488 556, [email protected]