FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and African Union (AU) will tackle the subject of safety and security at stadia across the continent after signing what is claimed to be a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU, signed during the Ordinary Assembly of the AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, will see the three bodies implement common strategies and programmes that also focus on the areas of education, good governance and the fight against corruption.
Safety at African football stadia has long been a concern for authorities, with several high-profile incidents in recent years. In September, five people died following a stampede at a stadium in Luanda, Angola.
Seven people were also injured during the incident, which took place at the Estadio 11 de Novembre (pictured). The venue was hosting the first leg of the African Champions League quarter-final tie between Luanda’s Primeiro de Agosto and TP Mazembe of DR Congo.
The new MoU will seek to promote safety and security at football matches. World football’s governing body said it will use its broad expertise in this field and work in cooperation with relevant public and private stakeholders.
The collaboration will focus on capacity-building on legislative aspects, the development of stadium safety and security management measures and interventions, as well as engagement in best practice exchange across AU countries.
Image: L.Willms
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