The Minister of Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, announced this Thursday that the Government will promote a reform of the 2007 law against violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance in sport, with the aim of “pursuing ultra groups” in Spanish football.
“This initiative is constructive because security is a challenge for everyone. The Ministry of Interior and LaLiga are aligned, putting the fan at the center, and that is what this protocol says, which appeals to the collaboration of clubs the State Security Forces and Corps”, the minister pointed out during the institutional inauguration of the II Congress on Emergencies in Football Stadiums, held at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.
In this meeting, the new protocol-guide promoted by LaLiga has been analyzed to prevent and act against episodes of discrimination, gender violence, sexual violence, abuse or harassment within football stadiums.
Marlaska has highlighted that "Spain is one of the safest countries thanks to public and private security," and has insisted that, in the sports field and especially in football, it is necessary to maintain focus and "have zero tolerance." "Football is a transversal phenomenon that is everywhere, in the stands and in the living room at home. This fact driven by passion must be managed. One must be up to the task," he underlined.
The minister has remarked that “the protection of the fan must be above all else. We are not going to allow violence to run rampant in stadiums. Football must be a celebration for everyone, violence cannot be camouflaged”, highlighting the work that is “behind each event”. “There are many people working to ensure safety. There is a plan, not everything starts on match day,” he added.
80 matches declared high risk this season
The head of the Interior Ministry has specified that, so far in the 2025-26 season, “80 football and basketball matches have been declared high risk and there have been 1,330 sanction proposals”, which reflects, he said, the Executive's effort to ensure that “fans worry about enjoying themselves”. “We believe in this work and will continue to commit to it. There will be a modification of law 19/2007 to prosecute ultra groups,” he confirmed.
Likewise, Marlaska has recalled that Spain, along with Portugal and Morocco, will host the 2030 Football World Cup. “We have a magnificent opportunity to show that we are a world power for organizing sporting events. Few countries are capable of responding with these characteristics and we want to continue being a reference. We have a solid base, it is about continuing to advance and doing so with determination,” he concluded.