The World Cup 2030, a major security challenge

How can joint security be managed in the run-up to the 2030 World Cup between three countries and how can the media help to deal with the threats posed by such a large-scale event? 

With this question, Samuel Morales Morales, lieutenant colonel of the Marine Infantry (DEM) and current Security and Defence consultant, began his speech during the 40th Congress of Journalists of the Strait, which has been held in Tetouan during these days under the title ‘Media of the two shores; common issues for the success of the World Cup 2030’. 

In the opinion of the expert as ‘Team Leader’ in international executive security, Samuel Morales, the effort should focus on the synchronisation and collaboration of the three main venues, indicating the strategy to be followed to favour decision-making. 

Security should be shaped in an integral and transversal manner; it should be very fluid in the face of threats; the simpler the better; it should minimise bureaucracy and cost overruns; and it should empower civil society. 

Referring to the issue of predicting risks with a direct impact, and in view of the fact that 2030 is a symbolic milestone for FIFA, Samuel Morales Morales stressed that cooperation in security matters between Spain and Morocco is very effective, which will allow us to face the possible challenges of a sporting event of these characteristics. 

Likewise, the international security advisor estimated that the global protection assured one hundred percent, surpasses the three host countries of the 2030 World Cup. ‘Morocco is prepared to manage this multicultural event with large crowds, given that it has a very good internal security system‘. 

In this joint organisation of the World Cup in three countries, in three venues and two continents, Samuel Morales reiterated that security must be configured in a comprehensive and transversal manner, with close coordination between Morocco, Spain and Portugal, together with the emphasis on the protection of critical infrastructures (sports facilities), without forgetting the creation of an official communication channel to verify information and control the spread of rumours and fakes news with Artificial Intelligence. It is a matter of hindering the existence of ideological channels that camouflage themselves in the information. ‘There should be a real time whistleblower channel that controls the dissemination of self-serving propaganda’.

Likewise, Samuel Morales raised aspects to be taken into account, such as the journalist's contribution to the challenge of security, the psychology of crowds, biosecurity, physical, economic, legal and health security and, in this order of matters, he alluded to factors to be introduced such as the need for logistical support in the face of threats, global cultural shock, the training of security personnel in crowd management, telematic surveillance with AI, a secure environment in the face of a possible terrorist threat and extreme care at access points. 

Morales emphasised the lines of work to be analysed, such as the need for experts in risk management and preventive plans (this is a unique and joint candidacy of three nations); the detection and neutralisation of drones; subversive activities; the cybernetic threat against information platforms, without forgetting the main actor in security: The citizen, who acts as a passive actor, an observer and not as an intervener: ‘Today, the spread of rumour-mongering is not 100% controlled and the impact on the perception of reality that can be influenced will depend on the media’. 

Ultimately, the investment in infrastructure, the culture shock of hosting many countries from around the world and the need for coordination in all senses, including joint communication policy, will provide a successful response to the World Cup 2030 to be held in the region, provided that it benefits all social sectors. 

A total of sixty journalism professionals from the Moroccan Journalists Association and the Moroccan Press Union, together with the Press Association of Campo de Gibraltar (APCG) and the Professional Association of Journalists of Andalusia (CPPA) have participated in this meeting on its 40th anniversary, allowing to strengthen, once again, the links of Spanish-Moroccan cooperation, betting on the constructive dialogue between professionals from both shores. Received by the Prefecture of M'diq Fnideq and, later, of Tetouan, both delegations have concluded this congress with the reception of officials in the wilaya of Tangier, to visit the sports facilities prepared for the World Cup, along with the visit of the port of the Mediterranean.