Morocco has inaugurated Africa’s first police cooperation centre dedicated to the security of major sporting events, as the country steps up preparations to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025).
The centre was launched on Thursday in the city of Salé and is designed to steer, coordinate and facilitate the exchange of security-related information linked to large-scale sports competitions, marking a first of its kind on the continent.
The initiative is the result of close cooperation between the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN), the Commandery of the Royal Gendarmerie and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). It also involves collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), within the framework of the “Stadia” project aimed at enhancing the security of sporting events.
The new structure brings together representatives of Morocco’s national security services, alongside liaison officers from the security services of the 23 countries qualified for AFCON 2025. It also includes mobile observer teams, known as “spotters”, who will work in direct coordination with Moroccan authorities to support fans of their national teams inside stadiums and across host cities.
In addition, the centre hosts representatives from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, as well as participants from Spain and Portugal, in anticipation of joint security coordination ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
According to the authorities, the centre’s key missions include facilitating real-time exchanges of operational information, strengthening risk assessments related to supporters, coordinating preventive measures and field interventions, and providing guidance and assistance to Moroccan law enforcement agencies. It also aims to promote a security culture grounded in sporting values and fair play.
A central component of the centre’s work will focus on digital vigilance, particularly the detection of potential cyber threats. This includes risks linked to terrorism, extremism and data hacking, in coordination with INTERPOL’s cybercrime unit, to ensure rapid response capabilities and the protection of stadiums and other facilities hosting supporters.
The establishment of the centre comes in line with the High Royal Guidelines calling for stronger South–South cooperation and the consolidation of joint security mechanisms with African partner countries, as Morocco positions itself as a continental hub for the secure organisation of major international sporting events.
