FAW brings cyber security into commercial portfolio with Socura deal

The Football Association of Wales has appointed Socura as its Official Cyber Security Partner under a three-year agreement designed to protect the governing body’s expanding digital infrastructure during a major period of sporting and commercial growth.Socura will provide managed cyber-security services across an FAW network encompassing 822 affiliated clubs, 120,000 playing participants and hundreds of thousands of supporters. Financial terms were not disclosed.FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said: “Football today depends on technology more than ever before. From supporting grassroots clubs and volunteers to delivering international fixtures and engaging supporters across Wales and beyond, secure digital services are essential to everything we do.“As we continue investing in the future of Welsh football and expanding our digital capabilities, partnering with Socura strengthens our ability to protect our people, our systems and our data.”The agreement gives the FAW a commercial partner whose services are also integrated directly into its operating infrastructure, rather than functioning solely as a traditional sponsorship asset.Socura will provide 24-hour monitoring throughout the year, managed detection and response, penetration testing, phishing simulations, security training, Microsoft 365 backup, incident response and strategic cyber advice.That protection has become increasingly important following the FAW’s wider digital transformation, which has created services connecting players, coaches, referees, clubs and supporters across Welsh football.Socura chief executive Andrew Kays said: “Technology now underpins almost every aspect of the modern game. It connects supporters, enables competitions, supports clubs and helps develop players. Protecting those digital services has become fundamental to the future of football.”The timing gives the agreement additional strategic importance. Wales are preparing to help stage Euro 2028, which will begin in the country, while the women’s national team are pursuing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.The FAW is also expanding its domestic business, including the launch of the 16-team Novira Cymru Premier and a broader push around digital services, broadcasting and commercial partnerships.Cyber incidents such as ransomware can create operational disruption and financial losses, making security increasingly relevant to governing bodies handling participant data, ticketing, communications and competition infrastructure.Socura will also work with the FAW on education and awareness programmes for clubs, volunteers and the wider football community, extending the relationship into grassroots football.The partnership therefore adds both sponsorship value and operational capability as the FAW scales its digital infrastructure ahead of one of the busiest tournament cycles in Welsh football.