FBI Delegation Visits Morocco to Observe AFCON Security Experience, Enhances International Security Cooperation
A delegation from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted an official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco from January 4 to 6, to observe Morocco's experience in securing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. This visit underscores the strong security partnership between the two countries.
The delegation was led by Douglas Olsen, Director of Operations for the Field Intervention Services Division, and Kevin Kowalski, Deputy Director of the Emergency Response Team. The delegation began its visit with a field observation of the security mechanisms implemented at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, coinciding with the match between Morocco and Tanzania. They observed the deployment of security teams, surveillance levels, the use of drones and high-definition cameras, and the electronic coordination mechanisms between fixed and mobile command centers.
The U.S. delegation also visited the African Security Cooperation Center, which connects Moroccan security services with foreign police officers participating in the tournament. They took part in a working session to evaluate the security arrangements for the Morocco vs. Tanzania match. The visit program was also scheduled to include Moulay El Hassan Stadium to observe security for the match between Algeria and DR Congo, which was set to take place on Tuesday (17:00 GMT+1), including the organization of foreign fan entry and coordination between national and foreign security officers and fan escorts known as 'Spotters'.
This visit comes as part of the United States' desire to leverage Morocco's expertise in securing major sporting events, in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S. The tournament requires the establishment of international security cooperation centers involving representatives from the security agencies of participating nations, in accordance with FIFA standards.
The visit also underscores the shared strategic direction between Morocco and the United States to enhance bilateral security cooperation through the exchange of expertise in risk assessment, emergency response, and the use of modern technology in securing sporting events, in preparation for the upcoming World Cups in 2026 and 2030.
