For the latest instalment of Football Supporters Europe’s (FSE) SLO Spotlight series, we head to Denmark’s Superliga to feature FC Midtjylland. Yakub Kan has been the club’s Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) for four years. He is yet another SLO to feature in our series to have emerged from his club’s terraces as a supporter himself.
Below, he shares how, from his experience, being a supporter of the club plays to his advantage in his role. Yakub also discusses his experience joining FC Midtjylland for away matches in the Europa League, the benefits of working in a team of SLOs, and the importance of cooperation between clubs’ SLOs.
How long have you been your club’s SLO, and what made you decide to want to do the role at your club?
“I have been the SLO at FC Midtjylland since 2021. My journey into the role began in a rather spontaneous way during an away match, when our former SLO was absent and I was asked if I could step in to assist. It was a unique experience that gave me a real taste of what the job involves, and not long after I was officially offered the position.
But in many ways, my connection to the role started long before that moment. I have always been part of the stands, living and breathing the atmosphere on matchdays, and working together with fellow fans to create a strong and passionate support for the team. Over the years, I also took part in several meetings with the club aimed at improving the atmosphere, strengthening cooperation, and making sure that fans’ voices were heard.
Becoming an SLO felt like a very natural step for me. It gave me the chance to turn my lifelong passion for FC Midtjylland and my active role in the fan culture into something that could make a real difference. For me, it’s about more than just football – it’s about building bridges, creating understanding, and ensuring that the bond between the club and its fans continues to grow stronger.”
Are you the only SLO or do you have a team working as SLOs at the club?
“At FC Midtjylland, we are a team of four SLOs. I am the only one working full-time in the role, while the others contribute mainly on matchdays and whenever there is a need for extra support. Even though I am the only full-time SLO, the team setup works extremely well for us. It gives us the flexibility to cover all kinds of situations and ensure that fans always have someone they can reach out to. Just as importantly, it allows us to be present across different segments of our fanbase, from the most vocal supporters on the terraces to families, frequent away travellers, and everyone in between.
The cooperation within our team is excellent, we complement each other’s strengths, share experiences, and coordinate closely to make sure nothing falls between the cracks. Having a team around me also helps build trust and accessibility; fans know there’s always someone they can approach, no matter the context.”
How well do you work the other people at the club? Does everyone at the club know who you are?
“I am a well-known face within the club, and I work very closely with colleagues across all departments. Over the years, I have built strong working relationships that allow me to collaborate effectively with everyone from management and administration to matchday staff and security.
Everyone at the club knows who I am and understands the role I play as SLO, which makes communication and cooperation much smoother. This recognition is important because it ensures that the perspective of our supporters is considered in many different areas of the club’s work, not only on matchdays but also in long-term planning and decision-making.”
Your club is competing in the UEFA Europa League this season, what’s the experience been like for you so far, regarding the qualification matches?
“So far, the Europa League journey has been a really positive and rewarding experience for me. During the qualification rounds, we travelled to Norway, Finland, and Scotland, three destinations I have not previously visited in my role as SLO. Each trip has been a chance to experience something new, both in terms of logistics and in terms of culture.
What I’ve enjoyed the most is discovering different fan cultures and seeing how football is lived and celebrated in other countries. It’s inspiring to observe the similarities we share as supporters across Europe, but also to notice the unique traditions that make each fanbase special.
Another highlight has been the cooperation with fellow SLOs from the clubs we have faced. The professional and friendly exchange of information has been invaluable, making sure everything runs smoothly for our traveling fans while also building relationships that can last beyond a single tie.
For me personally, it’s been motivating to see our own supporters experience these away trips as well. Being there for them in different environments, ensuring their voices are heard, and helping to create a safe and enjoyable experience abroad is exactly what makes the SLO role so meaningful.”
You attended the recent UEFA Safety & Security Conference, how useful the experience for you?
“I have had the pleasure of attending the UEFA Safety & Security Conference both last year in Lausanne and this year in Budapest. Both occasions have been truly fantastic experiences. The conferences provide a unique insight into what is happening across different clubs in Europe and give a much clearer understanding of the challenges that other colleagues face when representing their teams in international competitions.
For me, the most valuable aspect is the opportunity to meet colleagues from all over Europe in person. It creates a strong network where we can exchange experiences, share best practices, and discuss important issues openly. This exchange of knowledge helps me prepare better for upcoming matches, especially against clubs we are set to face in European competitions, as we are able to share crucial information directly.
Overall, the conferences are not only about safety and security – they also strengthen the professional community among SLOs and club representatives across Europe. That sense of connection and collaboration is something I bring back with me and use actively in my daily work at FC Midtjylland.”
You took part in FSE’s SLO Network Meeting in Malmö this summer. Any interesting takeaways from that?
“Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to take part in the SLO Network Meeting in Malmö. It was a really valuable experience, as we got to hear presentations from fellow SLOs and discuss important topics related to fan culture and the cooperation between clubs, police, and supporters.
What I appreciated the most was the openness and honesty in the discussions. Hearing about the challenges and solutions from colleagues in other countries gave me new perspectives and ideas that I can bring back to my own work in Denmark. At the same time, it was inspiring to see how many of the issues we face are shared across Europe, even if the contexts can be very different.
For me personally, the meeting underlined how important it is that SLOs are connected across borders. By learning from each other and building strong relationships, we can continue to improve the way we work with supporters and strengthen the dialogue between all stakeholders in football.”
Midtjylland has been playing quite frequently in Europe the last 10 years, how have you found the experience of European away days?
“For me, it is a great honour to represent FC Midtjylland across Europe and to make sure that our supporters have the best possible conditions when travelling abroad. The European away days are truly special – they are the moments I know I will look back on with pride when I reflect on my time as an SLO.
What makes these experiences so memorable is not only visiting new destinations and experiencing different football cultures, but above all seeing our fans dedicate their time, energy, and resources to follow the team far from home. Their commitment is incredible, and ensuring that they feel safe, supported, and welcome wherever we go is something I take very seriously.
These journeys also give me the chance to build strong connections with fellow SLOs and colleagues from other clubs, which helps improve cooperation and makes the matchday experience better for everyone involved. But at the heart of it all, it’s about standing side by side with our fans, making sure they can focus on what matters most: supporting FC Midtjylland.”
What’s been the biggest change in your role since you become SLO?
“One of the biggest changes in my role came a couple of years ago, when we got a new local owner with very high ambitions for the club – both commercially and on the sporting side. With that shift came many new ideas and initiatives, and part of my responsibility has been to ensure that our supporters understand the direction the club is taking and feel included in the process.
It has been important for me to act as a bridge, making sure that fans are not only informed but also given the opportunity to share their perspectives. By facilitating dialogue around new activities and changes, I have worked to ensure that our supporters continue to feel a strong sense of belonging and influence within the club, even as it grows and develops.”
How well known are you by your supporters at FC Midtjylland?
“I am a well-known face among our supporters at FC Midtjylland. Having grown up on the stands myself, many fans already knew me before I officially became an SLO, which gave me a strong foundation of trust from the beginning. Today, I make sure to stay visible and approachable at both home and away games, so that all fans – whether they are part of an organised group or not – know they can always reach out to me.
My vision is that our department will eventually serve as the central contact point for all supporters, regardless of whether they are part of an organised group or follow the team independently. To achieve that, we need time to build awareness, maintain strong visibility, and ensure we have sufficient staffing to provide the best possible support.”
How well do you know the other SLOs in Denmark? Do you help each other a lot?
“We have a strong and constructive cooperation between the SLOs in Denmark, and it is something that continues to improve. We regularly exchange experiences and support each other to make sure fans across the country benefit from this collaboration.”
What advice would you give to those new to the SLO role?
“My advice to anyone new to the SLO role would be to always prioritize building trust and maintaining open communication. Be present, approachable, and genuinely listen to both the supporters and your colleagues within the club.
It’s also important to be patient – relationships take time to develop, and each fanbase is unique, so take the time to understand their culture, expectations, and concerns. Finally, never underestimate the value of collaboration. Work closely with fellow SLOs, matchday staff, and other departments in the club, because your role is ultimately about being a bridge between supporters and the organisation.”
FSE would like to sincerely thank Yakub Kan and FC Midtjylland for taking part in the interview.
The previous interview in the series with Olympique Lyonnais SLO Titouan Chenavard can be found here.
Learn more about SLOs and FSE’s role in developing the SLO position here.
Contact us to find out more about the Supporter Liaison Officer role here.