Safeguarding the FIFA World Cup Events in the City of Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA - As Philadelphia is set to host the "world's game" in the form of six FIFA World Cup matches, the law enforcement community stands ready to safeguard both our own citizens - as well as those visiting from around the globe - to ensure a safe and fun experience.

The mass public congregation of American citizens and foreign tourists for a global entertainment event can pose notable threats to public safety - including terrorism, violence, threats and hoaxes, human trafficking, dangerous drugs, fraud and counterfeiting, threats by unauthorized drone aircraft, and other criminal activity.

As a result, for the past several months the Department of Justice has led public safety preparations to anticipate, assess, and prevent the salient threats to the security of the matches and fans. United States Attorney David Metcalf also designated a World Cup Coordinator ("WCC") from the office to convene public and private partners, including FIFA officials, to maximize law enforcement readiness. These efforts include:

1. Developing, sharpening, and coordinating the criminal intelligence among all agencies to concentrate on threats particular to the FIFA World Cup events;
2. Increasing and intensifying our contact with public agencies and private companies who can assist in the identification and prevention of FIFA-related threats;
3. Proactive deployment of increased federal, state, and local law enforcement resources - both technical and manpower - to physical locations or online networks vulnerable to such threats;
4. Imposing temporary flight restrictions to protected airspace - including from unauthorized drone aircraft;
5. Establishing a federal coordination team to respond to World Cup-related criminal activities.

"It is a wonderful point of pride for our country to host the greatest spectacle of international sports. But the honor to host the FIFA World Cup games also carries the duty to protect them," said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. "These events represent historic moments for our city and region, and our focus remains on ensuring they are carried out safely, securely, and successfully for the public we serve. We are ready."

"This summer, Philadelphia stands at the epicenter of a series of historic and once-in-a-generation moments as we welcome visitors from across the globe for the World Cup and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation," said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. "No single agency can secure events of this scale alone. Our success is driven by the close coordination and partnership across local, state, and federal law enforcement, and most importantly, the public."

"Philadelphia is ready to welcome the world, and Homeland Security Investigations is proud to help make this World Cup safe and memorable," said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Nathan Abel. "Working side by side with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office, HSI will be targeting counterfeit World Cup gear and fake tickets, enhancing efforts to identify and disrupt human trafficking, and providing specialized support at the stadium, fan events, and key transit points so fans can focus on world class soccer."

For any public safety emergencies, please dial 911.

If you are aware of any criminal activity associated with the FIFA World Cup events, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

You can find more information on public safety and city services during the FIFA matches and Fan Fest at the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management's World Cup safety and event information siteLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link..