This week the Confederation of African Football (CAF) hosted its first-ever Safety and Security workshop in Cairo, where security officers from 54 member associations participated to build on the principles established by the introduction of CAF's Safety and Security Department this past February.

The FIFA Forward programme supported the organisation of the two-day workshop.

“We need to use football to unite people all over the world and especially here in Africa," said FIFA Director of Security Helmut Spahn, addressing the attendees of the workshop. "This is a historical workshop for Africa and your participation is very important. Let’s make history and let’s make football safe and secure.”

Topics discussed included challenges faced by security officers, the importance of planning and execution in all matches and the necessity for up-skilling. At the conclusion of the workshop, CAF President Ahmad Ahmad presented security officers with certificates.

“This workshop has been revolutionary in terms of safety and security at football matches for our continent and it is a very positive step forward,” Ahmad said. “Security has been one of my major concerns since my assumption of the CAF presidency and I’m very conscious that we still have lots of work to do in this regard.

“Football should be a pleasure to watch and play without security concerns. I encourage all of you here today to put into practice the knowledge and skills you have taken from this important workshop to your respective countries.”

A key achievement of the workshop was the presentation of the CAF Safety and Security Regulations, which will apply to CAF competitions and events going forward.

“It is our hope that in the coming years we can organise more events all over the continent,” said Dr. Christian Emeruwa, CAF Director of Safety and Security. “I’m satisfied with the outcome of this groundbreaking event.”