Spanish soccer is positioned as one of the most attractive in the world, not only because of its quality as a sports product but also due to the standards it maintains in areas like security.
The number of incidents is not only low, but these events rarely result in regrettable outcomes.
It is a mix of several factors, among the most important, the implementation of effective security plans, and the use of cutting-edge technology to mitigate risk and accelerate effective response times.
When developing these security plans, as well as before choosing the devices that best fit each case, stadium management takes into account important needs such as:
Coordination
There must be effective communication channels between the different security bodies present in the stadiums, from private security employees to police officers. For this, not only telecommunications equipment is needed, but also a communication network infrastructure that allows uninterrupted coordination, including good phone signal and internet access.
Surveillance
Stadiums must have surveillance systems that allow constant monitoring of all spaces. Each of these devices must fulfill specific functions, from tools to identify faces at the stadium entrances to others designed to detect risk situations, like fires.
Evidence and Action
When it comes to keeping a watchful eye on attendees, it is not only necessary to know what they are doing at all times to avoid danger but also to record activity in case infractions are committed. Thus, security systems will be responsible for storing evidence to prevent cases of violence or racism from going unpunished.
Modern Technology
From devices equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) to tools capable of identifying threats automatically, stadium security technology continues to advance to reduce the risk faced by attendees, workers, and athletes. These include:
Intelligent Video Surveillance
Security cameras are already a standard in practically all stadiums in Spain, with these having dozens of devices distributed throughout the facilities. This way, there is not only video of what happens inside the field but also what occurs outside of it.
While some have outdated technology, the most modern stadiums implement modern systems like PTZ cameras, as they provide a greater field of vision and better maneuverability, and allow taking advantage of AI-based systems.
Access Control and Attendee Registration
Many stadiums have digitized access control systems that not only verify the authenticity of each ticket but also record who enters and exits the facilities, allowing authorities to have more information in case accidents occur or illicit activities are committed.
Interdepartmental Communication
Since the 2024-25 Spanish soccer season, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has strengthened its collaboration with the National Police and the Spanish Association of Football Team Doctors (Aemef), developing new interdepartmental communication systems that speed up response in emergency cases.
This not only includes a greater number of personnel in the facilities but also the use of tools, such as public address systems and video scoreboards, to speed up effective communication between authorities and attendees.
Sensors and Alarms
Modern alarm systems have a greater number of sensors that can detect everything from rule violations to potential risk situations.
Challenges
While security remains one of the priorities of Spanish stadiums, there are still a number of significant challenges that hinder the adoption of these new technologies and protocols:
- Different Budget: regardless of the country or league in which they operate, each soccer stadium has a different budget, making it impossible for smaller teams to make the necessary investments to keep up with the rest.
- Lack of Support: many stadiums do not have the necessary support (whether from the relevant authorities or the leagues in which they operate) to make these investments, even when dangerous situations occur repeatedly. In the long run, this situation of neglect can increase risks.
- Strict Protocols: the lack of effective protocols remains a significant problem, with many stadiums maintaining security infrastructure that doesn't adapt to current needs. Without adequate advice, developing strict protocols that reduce incidents is an almost impossible task.
Spanish stadium security technology continues to evolve, and although there are certain limitations that do not allow its homogeneous adoption throughout the country, the statistics remain positive.