Fans' Embassies

The provision of a fans’ embassy service can form a very constructive and positive part of the hospitality programme at a tournament.

Though absolutely not to be considered a tool of the policing authorities at a tournament, experience has shown that the presence of a fans’ embassy service, with its provision of accurate information and promotion of goodwill between supporter groups, can reduce feelings of insecurity and exclusion among supporters, thereby contributing to a reduction of tensions that can cause troubles and in the worst case even engender violence. 

The essential features of a fans’ embassy service are the provision of accurate, reliable, up-to-date and objective information on any matters of interest to football fans.

Clearly, the emphasis of the information provided will vary according to specific situations. For instance fans visiting a country for one individual match are likely to stay for a much shorter period of time. They are less likely to require information about other events and entertainment, as they will not necessarily have sufficient time in the host country to take advantage of what is on offer. On the other hand, they may not have been able to familiarise themselves with local geography and may need more specific information and directions to local amenities, cash machines etc. Fans intending to stay in a country for only one or two nights are probably more likely to have arrived without pre-arranged accommodation than if they intended to stay for three weeks or more of a tournament.

In all cases however, the quality of the information available from the fans’ embassy is of crucial importance. It should be reliable and objective.

The English FSA’s fans’ embassy service enjoys a high reputation for reliability among England’s travelling supporters for its consistency, and also because it is a service run by supporters for supporters, generating a feeling among fans that the service is “on their side”. Similarly, the service operated by the German fan projects is delivered by individuals known to and trusted by the supporter groups.

Even where a relationship with supporter groups of this nature is not available, there are distinct advantages of an information service clearly identified as being specifically targeted at football supporters. A fans’ embassy should be aware of the particular areas of interest to supporters and be familiar with the various forms of supporter culture. In this way it can become a very useful complement to already existing information networks such as those of tourist offices, local authorities and transport and accommodation agencies.

It is vital that fans’ embassies should be equipped with the sort of information that fans may require while abroad. Because of the wide range of possible enquiries, and because of the changing situations that can arise particularly during tournaments, fans’ embassies should also have the benefit of direct and open channels of communication to allow for the rapid updating, amendment or clarification of information from any and all agencies likely to be involved. A useful maxim for a fans’ embassy is that “we may not know everything you might ask us, but we will certainly know how to find out, and quickly”. These channels of communication can be extremely useful in countering the “rumour mill” that inevitably develops during tournaments – but it requires genuine commitment from football and police authorities to the provision of up-to-date and accurate information.