Denmark Mandates Facial Recognition to Combat Football Stadium Violence

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Denmark’s government has announced new legislation, as reported by Biometric Update, requiring top football club stadiums to deploy facial recognition systems as part of a broader effort to combat football hooliganism. 

The measure, announced by Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard, forms part of a 14-point legislative package aimed at combating violence and disorder associated with football matches in the country.

The plan would mandate biometric checks at Danish Superliga stadiums to identify and deny entry to individuals who are subject to bans, such as for violent behavior. The Superliga is the highest football league in Denmark. 

Superliga teams FC Copenhagen and Brøndby IF have already received approval to introduce facial recognition systems, with other top clubs in the country now expected to follow.

In addition to facial recognition requirements, the Danish government is proposing harsher penalties for violent offenses linked to football matches, targeted bans for offenders from venues, and quarantine powers preventing troublemakers from attending games.

The Danish government plans to implement the new rules in partnership with Superliga football clubs as well as the Data Protection Authority, which says the plans must be accompanied by strong protections for privacy and data security. 

Similar approaches to curb football-associated crime have already been introduced in countries like Brazil. 

This is the country’s second legislative initiative against hooliganism in three years, demonstrating ongoing concerns about violence at football matches in Denmark.