At SAFECROWDS, our security experience doesn’t just involve looking after the fans as they attend the match; it includes protecting high profile players too. And recently we were tasked with doing just that, when we deployed close protection professionals to protect footballing legends Luís Figo and Michel Salgado.
The task was to protect Luís Figo and Michel Salgado at an international gaming event taking place at the ExCeL exhibition in London. ICE London welcomed 45,000 gaming delegates and showcased innovative gaming and e-sports trends, with exhibitors keen to attract people to their stands. Sportsbook software and iGaming platform provider, Digitain, had the perfect gameplan to do just that, offering delegates the opportunity to personally meet the international footballers on their stand.
Crowds gathered as they eagerly awaited the former Spanish and Portuguese internationals’ appearances, which included an in-depth Q&A, a football jersey giveaway, and a meet and greet. While thousands of eyes were planted on Figo and Salgado, our specialist close protection team continuously scanned the room for threats, ensuring that the pair were constantly protected from security risks.
The layout of the exhibition hall added to the complexities of our close protection deployment. The footballing stars’ public appearance was staged in the confined space of an exhibition stand, providing limited room for spectators. The intimate setting presented a risk of surges and crushes, and our close protection officers, most of whom have police or armed forces backgrounds, used their skillset to ensure Figo and Salgado had enough room to move around freely and feel safe.
Our close protection professionals were on hand throughout the day, ensuring enthusiastic delegates did not invade the VIPs’ personal space, and keeping their eyes peeled for possible threats. Once the personal appearance was all wrapped up, our close protection teams orchestrated a planned exit route for the football stars, which ensured they left the event easily and quickly, to reach waiting vehicles on schedule.
