A fans’ embassy is an advice, information, and support service for national team fans travelling to away games or international tournaments in a foreign country. The provision of a fans’ embassy service forms a constructive and positive part of the hospitality programme at an international tournament.
The essential features of a fans’ embassy service is the provision of accurate, reliable, up-to-date, independent, and objective information on any matters of interest to travelling fans.
Fans’ embassies also provide information that is tailored to the specific interests of fans, such as the (inter)national fan culture and alternative activities in host cities. In addition, fans’ embassies provide help and assistance in case of emergency (physical violence, theft, etc.) and can be addressed as mediators in conflict situations.
Fans’ embassies are not a tool of the authorities or the police. However, experience has shown that the presence of a fans’ embassy service, with its provision of accurate information and promotion of goodwill between fans’ groups, can help to reduce feelings of insecurity and exclusion among fans, thereby contributing to a reduction in tensions that can lead to violence.
Core Principles
The FSE’s Fans’ Embassies division operates under the following core principles:
- “By fans, for fans”: Provision of independent and reliable information
- Confidential handling of personal data
- Fans’ Embassies are “neutral”, welcoming all fans
- Not linked to commercial organisations
- Not a tourist information service
Visit the FSE Fans’ Embassies website to find out more.