Securing Germany
November 1, 2009
Half a million fans are expected in South Africa next summer and fears are high that some of them will become victims of crime.
South African crime rates are among the highest in the world. Statistics over the past two years have shown a drop in robberies, rapes and murders but with around 50 people being killed every day across the country, concerns about safety remain high as the World Cup approaches.
But there is equal concern over the safety of the teams and support staff of countries appearing at the tournament, with some people suggesting beefed-up security operations will be needed to keep players from harm.
A recent report in the German Sport Bild magazine suggested that the Germany team would be protected by a full escort of armed security guards when the team leaves its base in Pretoria and that the players will be required to wear bullet-proof vests.
Quotes attributed to Guenter Schnelle from BaySecur, a private security firm which looks after the Germany team at away games, suggest that the movement of players outside of their hotel should be kept to a minimum.
The overall impression given by the Sport Bild article and the quotes – which Schnelle later denied making – is that Germany and the other teams at the World Cup will be under siege.
Federation rejects vest suggestion
Germany's DFB football federation spokesman Harald Stenger told Deutsche Welle that bullet-proof vests had not even been discussed as an option and that a security operation for the Germany team while they are in South Africa has not been finalized.
"The person and firm mentioned in the article have not spoken to the DFB about these security issues," Stenger said, saying that the DFB's security officer is currently in South Africa assessing the situation. When he returns, Stenger said, the organization will then determine if additional security is needed.
"Once the draw for the tournament is made on December 4, we will again assess the situation and discuss and finalize our plans together with FIFA and the South African authorities."
No drastic changes expected
Stenger said that he didn't expect any drastic change to the security operations that are usually in place when the Germany team plays abroad.
According to him, a private security firm with two to four security staff is employed to travel with the national team and its entourage. In South Africa, there may be additional security operatives deployed from the German Federal Police (BKA) because of the location of a media center at the hotel where players will stay.
"But we will not be making a big deal just because it is South Africa," he added. "We are aware of the crime rate but we are not afraid. There is crime everywhere when you travel with a national team."
DFB security boss Helmut Spahn told reporters before leaving for South Africa that the federation is looking to recruit 20 extra security guards for the team's stay at their five-star accommodation at the Velmore Grande hotel in the South African province of Gauteng.
"We will probably use more personnel than we would normally have," said Spahn.
Author: Nick Amies
Editor: Kyle James