By Andrew Warshaw
November 6 – Ten years before hosting the FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022 has signed an agreement with Interpol to ensure nothing is left to chance when it comes to safety and security.
Under the agreement, a group of experienced law enforcement experts will coordinate preparations, chaired by Janet Williams, former Deputy Assistant Commissioner of London’s Metropolitan Police.
Williams led and oversaw policing protective security planning for the London 2012 Olympics.
“We recognise that hosting the FIFA World Cup, one of the world’s largest international sporting events, will entail a wide variety of challenges,” said Sheikh Abdulla bin Nasser Al Thani (pictured top, right), chairman of Qatar 2022’s Security Committee.
“By working with Interpol and its network of 190 member countries, Qatar 2022 will be able to draw on a pool of expertise from around the world on how best to host a successful and safe tournament while adhering to the highest international standards.”
With thousands of fans converging on Qatar in unprecedented numbers in 2022, the group’s scope will include providing guidance and “robust training” to the Gulf state’s Ministry of Interior.
INTERPOL secretary general Ron Noble (pictured top, left) said the initiative demonstrated Qatar’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of security.
“The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee has shown great leadership in the area of security for its country, its people and the millions of football fans who will visit the region during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and we are delighted that they share INTERPOL’s vision for a safer world,” said Noble.
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