Facial recognition tech in Colombia stadia

Article posted by Coliseum, March 7^th, 2023

Image: Today In 24

The ugly scene of the Colombian (Colombia) soccer star Daniel Catano of the Categoría Primera A team Millonarios F.C. being attacked on the field by a fan from behind on February 12^th while warming up before a game against their peer team Deportes Tolima, for whom Catano played for the previous five years, has led to a debate over the issue of violence in soccer.

‘infobae’ stated that the above incident which took place at the Manuel Murillo Toro de Ibagué Stadium in Ibagué, Colombia, has led to the Colombian Government deciding to introduce facial recognition technology in the stadia of Colombia. This information was given by the Colombian Minister of Sports, María Isabel Urritia Ocoró.

The Millonarios Fútbol Club is a professional Colombian football team based in Bogotá, which currently plays in the Categoría Primera A (the country’s premier football tournament which sits at the top of the Colombian football league system). They play their home games at the Estadio El Campín. Founded in 1946, Millonarios is considered to be one of the strongest clubs in Colombia.

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The Estadio El Campín is the main stadium of Bogotá, Colombia. It was inaugurated on August 10^th, 1938 and has a current capacity of holding 36,343 spectators. It is the home ground of the Categoría Primera A team Millonarios F.C.

Deportes Tolima, or simply Tolima, is a Colombian professional football club based in Ibagué, Colombia, that currently plays in the Categoría Primera A.

Manuel Murillo Toro de Ibagué Stadium is a sports arena located in Ibagué, Colombia. It currently has a capacity of accommodating 28,100 spectators and serves as the residence of Deportes Tolima.

‘infobae’ quoted Ocoró as stating, “We have decided to introduce facial recognition technology in all stadia of Colombia and every person who walks into the stadia will be under surveillance.”

Ocoró further stated that the objective is to provide fans and players and everybody associated with the venue safety and security – “We will be working in tandem with the Ministry of Interior, the Registrar’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office to introduce facial recognition technology to keep a tab on rowdyism in stadia. The incident which occurred on February 12^th should not be repeated.”

She further maintained that sports helps in the holistic growth of youths – “Sports also helps in establishing peace and helps in unifying people.”

The Minister said that the President of Colombia Gustavo Petro wants that sports should reach the most remote corners of the country so that it helps in the proper development and growth of the youths in the remote areas.

Ocoró further informed that the Government is initiating steps to promote women’s soccer.

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