Proposal on safety at football matches submitted to Parliament

The Government on Thursday submitted to Parliament a government proposal concerning safety, security and service measures at football matches and other sports events.

The purpose of the proposal is to bring into force the Council of Europe Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events, said the Ministry of the Interior in a press release.

The Government also proposed that the Assembly Act be amended.

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.

“According to the Convention, measures aimed at 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 in organising the events. This can be achieved, among other things, by updating the provisions on the security measures of events and on public order and security,” said Jouko Huhtamäki, Ministerial Adviser from the Ministry of the Interior.

The previous Convention dates back to 1985. The new Convention aims to improve the safety of spectators by taking into account the experience gained since the entry into force of the previous Convention and good practices concerning the organisation and safety of sports events.

In addition, the purpose is to amend the Assembly Act to ensure that certain provisions in the Convention concerning safety and emergency planning be taken into account in connection with the events referred to in the Convention.