Security at Sports Mega-Events: Case Studies of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris

This bachelor’s thesis focuses on the analysis of security at sports mega-events. Its aim is to examine how current security threats and technological developments shape the form of security measures, using the case studies of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The theoretical part defines key concepts, particularly sports diplomacy, sports mega-events, and the security of these events, and situates them within the broader context of the contemporary security environment. The empirical part is based on qualitative content analysis (QCA) of selected documents related to both case studies. The analysis employs open coding, with five codes established to identify the main thematic areas. The findings indicate that security strategies increasingly rely on a preventive approach, the use of modern technologies, and international cooperation, while addressing not only physical but also cyber and hybrid threats. The discussion summarizes the main findings and identifies current trends and challenges in the field of security at sports mega-events, including increasing technologization, the emphasis on coordination among actors, and issues related to the legitimacy of security measures. The conclusion outlines the key findings and suggests possible directions for future development in this area.