Sir Ronnie Flanagan, the former chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, has been appointed as a security advisor for England’s World Cup bid.
Flanagan, one of the most experienced people in the country in dealing with terrorist threats, will help in compiling the section on safety and security in England’s bid presentation document.
Flanagan said: “The World Cup tournament is a festival of soccer and the most important element from my perspective is that people are safe and feel safe — whether they are players, officials or supporters. I shall be doing all I can to support the 2018 bid team with their planning for their presentation to FIFA.”
Bid chief executive Andy Anson added: “Having someone with Ronnie’s experience and expertise on board will be a major benefit. Safety and security is clearly an important part of the whole process and Sir Ronnie’s advice and support will be invaluable.”
Flanagan was chief constable of both the Royal Ulster Constabulary and presided over some of the biggest changes in policing in the province when the service changed after the Belfast peace agreement.
He went on to become the Chief Inspector of Constabulary and was the author of the independent review of the police service, commissioned by the government in 2007.