The first Transnational Partner Meeting of the LIAISE II project took place on 27th and 28th March 2025, bringing together key stakeholders to advance the next phase of work on improving police and Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) cooperation in European football.
LIAISE II is the latest SLO-focused project funded by Erasmus+ and led by Football Supporters Europe (FSE), continuing the organisation’s commitment to the ongoing development and of the role.
Hosted by the French Football League (LFP) in Paris, the meeting gathered representatives from the project’s core partners: FSE, the European Group of Policing Football Experts (EGPF-NFIP), the LFP, the Swedish Football League (SEF), the Football Association of Ireland (in particular the League of Ireland) (FAI), the Czech Football League (LFA), the Dutch Football Association (KNVB), and the Romanian Football Federation (FRF).
Setting Out the Project’s Key Objectives
The agenda covered several important aspects of the LIAISE II project. Partners reviewed the progress of two initial project deliverables: a research questionnaire designed to assess the current status of police-SLO cooperation and the preparation of a toolkit to guide exchange visits planned throughout the project. The outline for an awareness-raising workshop, set to take place in Paris in September this year, was also discussed, alongside the introduction of the project handbook and upcoming deliverables.
Reflecting on the meeting, the LFP’s Head of the Stadium Department, Maël Garde Provansal, said: “It was a great two days and a great start to the project. We were very pleased to host this first meeting and are looking forward to the next steps. This project will be of benefit to clubs in France and the other partner countries because it will help to identify, promote, and share good practices in the liaison and cooperation between police, clubs, and their supporter liaison officers.”
FSE’s EU Project Specialist, Mattia Angelini, added: “The first transnational meeting for the LIAISE II project has been a timely opportunity to share ideas and expectations with all our partners. With the support of a committed and engaged group, we were able to lay down the foundation for a productive and powerful collaboration to work towards the project’s objectives and ultimately improve cooperation between police and SLOs around Europe.”
Why This Matters
For football fans and stakeholders alike, LIAISE II represents an important effort to enhance cooperation between police and SLOs, ultimately improving the matchday experience. By identifying and promoting best practices, the project aims to ensure that football matches continue to become more of an inclusive, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Next Steps
The next steps for the project include finalising the research questionnaire and distributing it among partners and wider stakeholders in April. Partners will also begin preparing for their first exchange visits, which will be a key component in fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration. Additionally, preparations will continue for the awareness-raising workshop scheduled for September.
Stay tuned for further updates as the project progresses.
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