Girona FC chooses WatchGuard to boost cyber security strategy
WatchGuard has been appointed as the official cybersecurity supplier for Spanish football club Girona FC, deploying its security platform across the club's primary facilities.
The agreement enables WatchGuard to implement its Unified Security Platform at Girona FC's Montilivi stadium, its training centre located in Vilablareix, and the Les Hortes academy residence, as part of a wider commitment to shore up the club's digital environments against cyber threats.
Strategic partnership
This partnership forms part of Girona FC's digital transformation programme, focusing on ensuring business continuity and safeguarding critical operations in a rapidly-evolving cyber landscape. The platform's coverage will include a combination of WatchGuard Network Security, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), ThreatSync+ NDR, and WatchGuard MDR, offering layered defences and real-time threat response capabilities across the club's digital assets.
Girona FC's systems integrator and technology partner Parlem Telecom will oversee the deployment and ongoing management of these cybersecurity solutions on behalf of the club.
Prioritising security
Girona FC president Delfí Geli commented on the value of the partnership, stating:
"This partnership with WatchGuard allows us to take a step forward in elevating our cybersecurity posture. Protecting the Club's systems and data is key in an increasingly digital environment, and doing so alongside an industry leader like WatchGuard gives us peace of mind and confidence to continue growing."
By implementing the suite of WatchGuard products, the club aims to maintain the integrity of both its internal operations and public-facing technologies, seeking to mitigate disruptions caused by cyber threats.
Marc Jordi, IT Manager at Girona FC, emphasised the relevance of the new security platform for the club's goals:
"The incorporation of WatchGuard's security solutions represents an important milestone in our digital transformation journey. In an increasingly connected world, having a robust and unified cybersecurity platform is essential to ensure the Club's operational continuity and the protection of our digital assets. This step reinforces our commitment to a digital Girona FC that is secure and prepared today and tomorrow."
Wider partnership context
This development extends WatchGuard's presence in the sports sector, with Girona FC joining other clients such as the Seattle Kraken ice hockey team and the Climate Pledge Arena on WatchGuard's client roster. The company's involvement with sports organisations reflects a growing trend of professional clubs investing in specialised technology partners to counteract the unique security challenges faced by public venues and connected operations.
Michelle Welch, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Business Strategy at WatchGuard, commented on the new partnership:
"WatchGuard is incredibly proud to become the official cybersecurity supplier of Girona FC. We're fully aligned with this exciting Club's commitment to growth and excellence, and we look forward to defending FC Girona's digital environments against cyber threats, while the team stops attacks and wins matches on the pitch."
Club background
Girona FC, established in 1930, is based in Girona, Catalonia. The club has recently been active in top-flight football, competing in UEFA Champions League fixtures last season. Girona FC operates as a community-focused organisation and has made investments into new infrastructure, including the Training Centre and recent renovations at Montilivi Stadium, alongside continued efforts in talent development.
The collaboration with WatchGuard is designed to bolster the security underpinning these new and existing operational initiatives, maintaining the club's reputation for stability and forward planning within the football sector.
