Facial tech made mandatory in Mexico stadia

Article posted by Coliseum, December 5^th, 2022

Image: Meyer Sound

The top professional football division of Mexico – Liga MX – has agreed to a new partnership with Incode Technologies that uses facial technology. The deal brings new ways to verify each and every fan inside stadiums across the North American country.

‘WORLDSOCCERTALK’ stated that the San Francisco (US)-based Incode is a technology company that helps banks, healthcare systems, retailers, and now stadiums, perform secure transactions. Liga MX is utilizing the company’s ‘Fan ID’ technology.

The Liga MX, officially known as the Liga BBVA MX for sponsorship reasons, is the top professional football division in Mexico, holding two tournaments per year. The league is considered the strongest in North America, and among the strongest in all of the Americas.

‘WORLDSOCCERTALK’ further stated that this technology ensures safety by binding user’s facial biometrics to the actual ticket. Fans can enter stadiums and even purchase merchandise using this technology. The ‘Fan ID’ biometrics links with a user’s credit card. Essentially, match organizers will now know exactly who is inside the stadiums at every game.

Said Liga MX Executive President Mikel Arriola, “The arrival of ‘Fan ID’ at all Liga MX stadiums speaks to the great commitment we have to our fans in all venues, considerably improving their security and applying the highest standards in the care of personal data. This is a historic measure for soccer in Mexico.”

Facial Verification Tech Mandatory

Incode requires every user to sign up prior to entering the stadium on matchdays. This identity verification process supposedly takes about five seconds to complete. The technology will be used at all Liga MX venues. Therefore, that is over 400 matches per year.

Organizers expect more than five million fans to enter stadiums next season.

Stated Ricardo Amper, Founder of Incode, “We feel honored to have been selected to implement Fan ID by Incode in Mexico since our identity verification process safeguards fans’ personal data and privacy. Our encryption process covers information with the highest standards of security so that everyone can have a great experience even before entering the stadium.”

Reining in Violence Inside Stadia

The Mexican league is attempting to hinder violence at games. A fan brawl forced officials to abandon a match between the Liga MX teams Querétaro F.C. and Atlas F.C. in March this year.

Liga MX’s Clausura (closing) season begins in January of 2023.

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at www.coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

Watch 500+ member-exclusive videos with valuable tips for your venue