NFL
What security measures will the NFL take for the Packers vs. Eagles game in Brazil due to gang members?
The NFL organization faces a serious situation regarding personnel safety in one of the biggest Brazilian cities, Sao Paolo, the game’s host city.
There has been a significant increase in police killings in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, during the first two months of 2024. Authorities are relying on repressive tactics to combat crime, mainly targeting the PPC, the largest organized gang in São Paulo, as part of Operation Summer. This operation aims to apprehend those responsible for attacking police officers.
The São Paulo Secretariat of Public Security has reported that 43 people have been killed by the police under Operation Summer since the beginning of the year. The government states that these operations are focused on controlling gangs operating in Baixada Santista, and the police have increased their presence and patrols in the area. The question is how the National Football League organization will face and prepare for potential security issues that can arise.
What will the security measures imposed by the NFL be?
The game in São Paulo will be one of five regular season games played internationally in 2024. Brazil is an important global NFL market, with over 38 million fans. 8.3 million of those fans are considered ‘devoted’ fans, making it the second-largest international fan base after Mexico.
The recommended precaution is to avoid wearing anything green, as this color is often associated with gang affiliations or supporters of rival soccer clubs. The upcoming match between the Eagles and Packers in Sao Paulo is scheduled to be held at the Corinthians Arena, the home stadium of the Brazilian soccer team Corinthians. Notably, Corinthians’ primary rival is Palmeiras, a team known for its distinctive green uniforms. So, there is NO GREEN for either the Eagles or the Packers, who sport green on both uniforms.
The NFL chief spokesman Brian McCarthy wrote in a text that the teams couldn’t wear green and would be under heavy security. “No, neither of these items are true. One of the host stadium’s rival soccer clubs wears green, but the league did not say that the players could not wear green. That is false. Multiple league officials from across the league have made multiple planning trips. As with any international game, we have comprehensive security plans in place coordinated with local officials. Again, there was no guidance provided to the clubs as suggested here.”
When McCarthy was asked if he could share the guidance, he declined but added,” “It’s the standard policies and procedures for international travel.”