Council Decision 2002/348/JHA of 25 April 2002 concerning security in connection with football matches with an international dimension

International football matches draw extremely large crowds, which has led the European Union (EU) to take measures to strengthen security in football stadiums. In 2002, the Council adopted this decision to facilitate the exchange of information among Member States’ police forces and responding to threats against public order and safety.

Adopted on the initiative of the Kingdom of Belgium, this decision provides for a national football information centre to be set up and run by the police in each Member State. Member States must forward the details of their national centre to the General Secretariat of the Council. In addition, they must ensure that their national centre has the staff and technical equipment necessary to fulfil its duties effectively and rapidly.

This decision was amended by Council Decision 2007/412/JHA of 12 June 2007 amending Decision 2002/348/JHA concerning security in connection with football matches with an international dimension.