International Centre for Sport Security

ICSS was founded in 2010. Mohammed Hanzab, a former lieutenant colonel in the Qatar Armed Forces, announced its formation in March 2011, with Hanzab named as ICSS president. In 2011, the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, in charge of staging the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, signed an agreement for the ICSS to collaborate on security planning. In 2012, ICSS signed a partnership with the Institute for Fan Culture in Germany. Also in 2012, it signed an agreement to partner with the Université Paris I – Panthéon-Sorbonne, to create a research initiative on sporting integrity. Chris Eaton, FIFA's former head of security, joined ICSS in 2012 as executive director for sport integrity, also bringing much of his investigative team from FIFA.

As of 2013, ICSS continued to oversee the construction of the sports centers and stadiums for the 2022 Qatar World Championships, consulting on security to Qatar. Also in 2013, ICSS signed a deal with the European Professional Football Leagues to advise on security at football events. Helmut Spahn was serving as ICSS executive director, under Hanzab. The Qatar Football Association signed an agreement with ICSS in 2013 as well. It also signed an agreement with The European Lotteries.

The ICSS and the Sorbonne in Paris released a research project in 2014 claiming that USD$140 billion was laundered every year through sports betting. In 2015, Reuters reported that the ICSS continued to receive 70% of its funding from the Qatari government, with the rest funded by projects. It remained based in Doha and was headed by two former military officials from Qatar. At the time, Reuters reported that ICSS had a "credibility problem" due to suspicions concerning Qatar's methods for obtaining the right to host the 2022 FIFA event back in 2010. ICSS maintained it remained independent from Qatar, and that there was "no external influence or input put on the ICSS from the government of Qatar in terms of how we are run and our activities."https://www.reuters.com/article/markets/qatar-group-to-push-sports-integrity-in-us-even-as-world-cup-award-faces-probes-idUSL1N0Z82DI/ Among members of its advisory board at the time were Juliette Kayyem as well as Khoo Boon Hui, former Interpol president.

It was involved with protection of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. In 2015, ICSS was hired as a consultant for a new stadium for AS Roma, the Stadio della Roma.https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/icss_to_provide_security_consultancy_for_as_romas_new_stadium/ Investigator Michael Hershman was named Group CEO of ICSS in June 2016. Hanzab remained president.https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/03/06/2016/Hershman-new-Group-CEO-of-ICSS In 2016, Hanzab launched the Sports Integrity Global Alliance, which was officially unconnected to ICSS, but had a number of related people involved. Similar to ICSS, SIGA lacked financial transparency, which resulted in criticism. One of SIGA's financial contributors was ICSS Insight, a non-profit associated with ICSS.https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/3-3-promoting-integrity-without-transparency/48032334 In late 2017, ICSS created an international hotline to report integrity issues in sport.https://www.gulf-times.com/story/574636/icss-establishes-first-dedicated-sport-integrity-hotline

Massimiliano Montanari was serving as ICSS CEO in 2020. It signed an agreement with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research in 2020 over training.https://www.qatar-tribune.com/article/195934/SPORTS/UNITAR-and-ICSS-to-launch-first-UN-certified-training-framework-on-sport-security It also worked with the Japanese Olympic Committee in preparation for security at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.https://www.gulf-times.com/story/728812/icss-chairman-qatar-world-cup-will-see-highest-levels-of-security-and-safety In 2021, the United Nations and the ICSS released the jointly developed Global Guide on the Security of Major Sporting Events. Mohamed Hanzab in 2022 served as ICSS chairman. ICSS was working with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, FIFA, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Asian Football Confederation, the Asean Football Federation, and the Confederation of African Football. It signed an agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation in March 2024.https://www.gulf-times.com/article/679381/sports/international-centre-for-sport-security-and-cbf-sign-landmark-agreement In June 2024, it was working with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) on an online training program on sports security in football competitions in Africa.https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/09/06/2024/icss-caf-and-unitar-celebrate-first-batch-of-certified-practitioners

Mohammed Hanzab in 2022 served as ICSS chairman, and Massimiliano Montanari was serving as ICSS CEO. In 2013 the ICSS was led by President Hanzab{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-fifa-qatar/qatar-group-to-push-sports-integrity-in-us-even-as-world-cup-award-faces-probes-idUSL1N0Z82DI20150623|title=Qatar group to push sports integrity in US even as World Cup award...|last=Rosenberg|first=Mica|work=Reuters|access-date=2018-06-30|language=en-US}} and Director General Helmut Spahn,{{cite web|title=Safety first!|url=http://www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com/safety-first/|publisher=Doha Stadium Plus|access-date=14 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301115222/http://www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com/safety-first/|archive-date=1 March 2012|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|title=Sport Security Expert Says London Marathon Should Go Ahead|url=http://www.aroundtherings.com/articles/view.aspx?id=42911|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202223445/http://www.aroundtherings.com/articles/view.aspx?id=42911|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 December 2013|publisher=Around the Rings|access-date=16 April 2013}}{{cite web|title=Helmut Spahn, DFB-Sicherheitsbeauftragter und Leiter der Task Force _Gewalt...|url=https://www.welt.de/sport/article115341160/Helmut-Spahn-DFB-Sicherheitsbeauftragter-und-Leiter-der-Task-Force-Gewalt.html|access-date=16 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203000453/http://www.welt.de/sport/article115341160/Helmut-Spahn-DFB-Sicherheitsbeauftragter-und-Leiter-der-Task-Force-Gewalt.html|archive-date=3 December 2013|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|title=How to protect 500,000 along a 26-mile route? London beefs up marathon security|url=http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/17/17780145-how-to-protect-500000-along-a-26-mile-route-london-beefs-up-marathon-security?lite/|publisher=World News NBC News|access-date=17 March 2012}} the latter of whom left in 2016.http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/qatar_2022_in_safe_hands_with_the_icss/ Mohammed Al Hajri in 2012 was vice president.{{cite web|title=Biggies set to discuss security issues in Doha|url=http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar-sport/186922-biggies-set-to-discuss-security-issues-in-doha.html|publisher=The Peninsula|access-date=13 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111205643/http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar-sport/186922-biggies-set-to-discuss-security-issues-in-doha.html|archive-date=11 November 2013|url-status=dead}} At that time the centre's staff included Heinz Palme (Vice Director General), Massimiliano Montanari (Chief of Cabinet), Shaun McCarthy (ICSS Enterprise), Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros (ICSS Europe and Latin America), Chris Eaton (Sport Integrity),{{cite web|title= Corruption in sport a gold rush with the law left behind |url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/corruption_in_sport_a_gold_rush_with_the_law_left_behind/back/9597/

|publisher=FIFA|access-date=14 May 2013}}{{cite web|title=Eaton: Spot-fixing an ongoing issue for IPL|url=http://www.sportal.co.nz/cricket-news-display/eaton-spot-fixing-an-ongoing-issue-for-ipl-235374/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130703154406/http://www.sportal.co.nz/cricket-news-display/eaton-spot-fixing-an-ongoing-issue-for-ipl-235374/|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 July 2013|publisher=FIFA|access-date=14 May 2013}}{{cite web|title=The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) calls for a multinational, multiagency approach to monitoring betting in sport|url=http://www.aroundtherings.com/articles/view.aspx?id=43175|publisher=Around The Rings|access-date=14 May 2013|archive-date=9 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709194805/http://www.aroundtherings.com/articles/view.aspx?id=43175|url-status=dead}} Malcolm Tarbitt (Safety and Security), and Karen Webb (Communications and PR).{{cite web|publisher=Sport Business|title=ICSS appoints new comms director | date=17 September 2013 | url=https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/icss-appoints-new-comms-director/ |access-date=22 April 2019 }}

The centre's policies and direction in 2015 were developed by an advisory board including Juliette Kayyem, an Obama administration appointee who served as assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security.{{Cite web|first1= Mark|last1=Hosenball |first2= Mica |last2=Rosenberg |title= Qatar group to push sports integrity in U.S. even as World Cup award faces probes |publisher=Reuters|date=23 June 2015 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-fifa-qatar/qatar-group-to-push-sports-integrity-in-u-s-even-as-world-cup-award-faces-probes-idUSKBN0P30C120150623 |quote= One ICSS advisory board member Juliette Kayyem, who worked as an assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security in President Barack Obama’s first term, said she didn’t see any reasons for concern, noting that the ICSS was doing good work in examining how to keep massive sporting events safe}}

The ICSS works to improve security, safety and integrity in sport by addressing real issues and providing world-leading services, skills, networks and knowledge. It also focuses on match-fixing and sports results manipulation.{{cite web|title=Exclusive: ICSS reveal details of Chris Eaton's recruitment|url=http://www.insideworldfootball.biz/worldfootball/42-news/10407-exclusive-icss-reveal-details-of-chris-eatons-recruitment-|publisher=InsideWorldFootball|access-date=24 February 2012}}{{cite web|title=Governments failing to protect sport from crime - Security head|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17543699|publisher=BBC|access-date=28 March 2012}}{{cite web|title=Sorbonne will propose regulations for illegal betting in sports|url=http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/esporte/1061641-sorbonne-vai-propor-regulamentacao-para-as-apostas-ilegais-no-esporte.shtml|publisher=Folha de S.Paulo}}{{cite web|title=Sport centre, Pantheon-Sorbonne to discuss match-fixing in sports|url=http://www.qatar-tribune.com/data/20120315/content.asp?section=nation4_3|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120912015246/http://www.qatar-tribune.com/data/20120315/content.asp?section=nation4_3|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 September 2012|publisher=Qatar Tribune|access-date=18 March 2012}}{{cite web|title=Doha-based ICSS officials oversee UEFA Champions League finals|url=http://new.qfa.com.qa/doha-based-icss-officials-oversee-uefa-champions-league-finals--.aspx|publisher=Qatar Football Association|access-date=22 May 2012|archive-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527142222/http://new.qfa.com.qa/doha-based-icss-officials-oversee-uefa-champions-league-finals--.aspx|url-status=dead}}

The MENA Region stakeholder meeting addresses the issue of sport protection in the Middle-East and North Africa. The meeting is jointly organised by UNICRI and the ICSS.{{cite web|title=Sport Protection in MENA in focus|url=http://www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com/sport-protection-middle-east-north-africa//|publisher=Doha Stadium Plus Qatar|access-date=17 March 2013|archive-date=20 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320032642/http://www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com/sport-protection-middle-east-north-africa/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=MENA region stakeholder meeting|url=http://ap-corporateservices.com/multimedia-newsroom/story/723/2/more|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=17 March 2013}} The first iteration was held in Doha, Qatar on 17 March 2013, hosted and opened by Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of State for Interior Affairs in Qatar. Attendees included high-level representatives of the United Nations, the League of Arab States, the European Commission, the Organization of American States, and several governmental authorities from countries around the world.

Present at the first meeting in March 2013 were Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Secretary General of Qatar Olympic Committee; Staffan de Mistura, former Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General for Southern Lebanon;. Stefano Manservisi, Director-General for Home Affairs, European Commission; Amb. Adam Blackwell, Secretary of Multidimensional Security of the Organization of American States; and Sir David Veness, former United Nations Under-Secretary General for Safety and Security.

File:Save the Dream logo.jpg

The Save the Dream{{cite web|title=ICSS launches Save the Dream campaign in clamp down on match-fixing|url=http://www.insideworldfootball.com/world-football/42-news/11324-icss-launches-save-the-dream-campaign-in-clamp-down-on-match-fixing/|publisher=Inside World Football|access-date=11 September 2012|archive-date=14 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214104459/http://www.insideworldfootball.com/world-football/42-news/11324-icss-launches-save-the-dream-campaign-in-clamp-down-on-match-fixing/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Qatar launches 'Save the Dream" initiative|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/qatar/qatar-launches-save-the-dream-initiative-1.1073468/|publisher=Gulf News|access-date=12 September 2012|archive-date=12 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912231842/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/qatar/qatar-launches-save-the-dream-initiative-1.1073468|url-status=dead}} campaign was launched by Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani (Secretary General, Qatar Olympic Committee), Mohammed Hanzab (President, ICSS), and Italian football player Alessandro del Piero{{cite web|title=Save the Dream|url=http://en.alessandrodelpiero.com/news/save-the-dream_292.html|publisher=alessandrodelpiero.com|access-date=18 September 2012}} as Captain of the Athletes' Board.{{cite web|title= Save the Dream Office to be Part of Alessandro Del Piero's Sporting and Cultural Centre|url=http://www.worldfootballinsider.com/Story.aspx?id=35806|publisher=World Football Insider|access-date=23 May 2013}} The first overseas offices of Save the Dream were opened in May 2013 at Alessandro del Piero's Academy in Turin, Italy.{{cite web|title=Del Piero: Juve, che impresa rivincere lo Scudetto|url=http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/serie_a/juventus/2013/05/21-263480/Del+Piero%3A+%C2%ABJuve,+che+impresa+rivincere+lo+Scudetto%C2%BB|publisher=Tuttosport|access-date=21 May 2013|archive-date=7 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607205439/http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/serie_a/juventus/2013/05/21-263480/Del+Piero:+%C2%ABJuve,+che+impresa+rivincere+lo+Scudetto%C2%BB|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Save the Dream Office to be part of Alessandro Del Piero's new sporting and cultural centre|url=http://keirradnedge.com/2013/05/22/save-the-dream-office-to-be-part-of-alessandro-del-piero%E2%80%99s-new-sporting-and-cultural-centre/|publisher=Keir Radnedge|access-date=22 May 2013}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

The stated intention of the campaign is to alert young athletes to the consequences of sports results manipulation, with a panel of high-profile athletes from different sports and regions around the world being set up, and a multidisciplinary team of world experts in education, communications, sport management and sport integrity. Securing Sport 2013 saw the unveiling of the Save the Dream logo{{cite web|title=A Secure Future for Sport|url=http://www.ap-corporateservices.com/multimedia-newsroom/story/731/2/download|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=18 March 2013}} and the first Save the Dream Award being given to Spanish runner Iván Fernández Anaya{{cite web|title=QOC and ICSS launch "Save the Dream" initiative|url=http://www.qatarsports.co/2013/03/19/qoc-and-icss-launch-save-the-dream-initiative/|publisher=Qatar Sports News|access-date=19 March 2013|archive-date=28 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528112738/http://www.qatarsports.co/2013/03/19/qoc-and-icss-launch-save-the-dream-initiative/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Anaya wins first 'Save the Dream' award|url=http://www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com/anaya-wins-save-dream-award/|publisher=dohastadiumplusqatar.html/|access-date=20 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323090814/http://www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com/anaya-wins-save-dream-award/|archive-date=23 March 2013|url-status=dead}} for good sportsmanship.

This annual conference, hosted by ICSS,{{cite web|title=The International Centre for Sport Security signs MOU with Germany's Institute for Fan Culture|url=http://theolympicssports.com/other-sports/the-international-centre-for-sport-security-signs-mou-with-germanys-institute-for-fan-culture.html|publisher=Olympicsports.com|access-date=16 March 2012}}{{cite web|title=ICSS to Strengthen Relations with Latin America|url=http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=487893&Itemid=1|publisher=Prensa Latina|access-date=15 March 2012}} focuses on sport security.{{cite web|title=Security, Sport Experts Meet in Doha|url=http://aroundtherings.com/articles/view.aspx?id=39471|publisher=Around the Rings|access-date=14 March 2012|archive-date=15 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515195934/http://www.aroundtherings.com/articles/view.aspx?id=39471|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=2nd International Sport Security Conference Closes in Doha|url=http://theolympicssports.com/other-sports/2nd-international-sport-security-conference-closes-in-doha.html|publisher=Olympicsports.com|access-date=16 March 2012}}{{cite web|title=International Sport Security Conference in Doha|url=http://aroundtherings.com/articles/view.aspx?id=39509|publisher=Around the Rings|access-date=16 March 2012}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The conference is held in Doha, Qatar.{{cite web|title=ICSS commits to research|url=http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar-sport/187208-icss-commits-to-research.html|publisher=The Peninsula|access-date=16 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720195715/http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar-sport/187208-icss-commits-to-research.html|archive-date=20 July 2012|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|title=ICSS set to combat match-fixing|url=http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar-sport/187066-icss-set-to-combat-match-fixing.html|publisher=The Peninsula|access-date=15 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714130746/http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar-sport/187066-icss-set-to-combat-match-fixing.html|archive-date=14 July 2012|df=dmy-all}}

The first conference took place in March 2011. Speakers included Lord John Stevens, William J. Bratton, Rick Parry, Sir Ronald Flanagan, Leonard McCarthy and Michael Johnson. The second conference was held on 14–15 March 2012 in Doha with the theme "Creating a platform for growth through safe sporting events".{{cite web|title=Prince Ali: Investing in Sports for youth is an investment in security|url=http://www.weareasia.com/en/media/news/showNews.cfm?NewsID=783|publisher=Weareasia.com|access-date=14 March 2012}}{{cite web|title=FA praised by FIFA Vice President|url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/NewsAndFeatures/2012/fa-praised-by-fifavp-160312.aspx|publisher=The FA|access-date=16 March 2012}} Venues included the Qatar National Convention Centre, the Torch Hotel and the Museum of Islamic Art. Speakers included Khoo Boon Hui, David Dein{{cite web|title=London Warns about Hooliganism, Terrorism|url=http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=487921&Itemid=1|publisher=Prensa Latina|access-date=15 March 2012}} Danny Jordaan,{{cite web|title=Exclusive - Jordaan Concerned About Brazil 2014 World Cup Preparations|url=http://www.worldfootballinsider.com/Story.aspx?id=35026|publisher=World Football Insider|access-date=16 March 2012}} (subscription required) Bernard Lapasset, Haroon Lorgat, Michael E. Porter. Dave Richards,{{cite web|title=Premier League chairman urges clarity over World Cup alcohol issue|date=15 March 2012|url=http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/185235/premier-league-chairman-urges-clarity-over-world-cup-alcohol-issue|publisher=Sport Business}}{{cite web|title=Dave Richards sorry for comments about Fifa and Uefa|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17374070|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=14 March 2012}}{{cite web|title=Richards attacks UEFA and FIFA|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/20876/7596351/Richards-attacks-UEFA-and-FIFA|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=14 March 2012}}{{cite web|title=Sir Dave Richards apologises to Fifa and Uefa for accusing them of 'stealing football from the English'|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/9145068/Sir-Dave-Richards-apologises-to-Fifa-and-Uefa-for-accusing-them-of-stealing-football-from-the-English.html|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=15 March 2012}} Tim Sebastian, Helmut Spahn,{{cite web|title=ATR Podcast - Sport Security Expert on Doha Conference, London Olympics|url=http://aroundtherings.com/articles/view.aspx?id=39417|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628115731/http://aroundtherings.com/articles/view.aspx?id=39417|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 June 2013|publisher=Around The Rings|access-date=9 March 2012}} and John Stevens At the 2014 conference World Anti-Doping Agency director David Howman gave a talk about criminal activity in organized sport.[https://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2014/oct/07/organised-crime-sport-world-anti-doping-agency-video "Organised crime controls 25% of world sport, says World Anti-Doping Agency – video"]. The Guardian. 7 October 2014

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [http://www.theicss.org/ Official ICSS website]
• [http://www.internationalsportsecurityconference.com/register/ Official Securing Sport Conference website]{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• [http://icss-journal.newsdeskmedia.com/ Official ICSS Journal website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402151716/http://icss-journal.newsdeskmedia.com/ |date=2 April 2013 }}
• [http://knowledge.theicss.org/login.php Official ICSS Knowledge Portal website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325040156/http://knowledge.theicss.org/login.php |date=25 March 2013 }}
• [https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2015/06/24/world-cup-qatar-corruption-sports-security/29240231/ Sports corruption watchdog group faces questions about its backer Qatar]
• [https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-fifa-qatar/qatar-group-to-push-sports-integrity-in-us-even-as-world-cup-award-faces-probes-idUSL1N0Z82DI20150623 Qatar group to push sports integrity in US even as World Cup award faces probes]

{{DEFAULTSORT:International Centre for Sport Security}}

Category:Sports organizations established in 2010

Category:Sports organisations of Qatar

Category:Non-profit organisations based in Qatar

Category:2010 establishments in Qatar

Category:Organisations based in Doha