Greek authorities have taken a significant step in addressing the long-standing issue of violence in soccer matches by implementing a ban on paper tickets for all league games. This move, announced on Tuesday, aims to enhance security measures and ensure a safer environment for fans and officials.
As per the new regulations, spectators will now be required to enter stadiums using their cellphones, displaying a government-issued QR code for identification purposes. This measure will enable authorities to enforce attendance bans effectively and track individuals attending matches.
Stadiums had been closed to spectators for two months to facilitate the overhaul of security protocols following a tragic incident in December where a police officer lost his life due to a flare during a fan riot in Athens. The implementation of the new system is a proactive step to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Effective immediately, fans must purchase tickets online and verify their purchase through a state-run app commonly used for tax payments and accessing government services online. This transition to electronic ticketing is expected to streamline the ticketing process and enhance overall security at sporting events.
Dimitris Papastergiou, the minister for digital governance, highlighted that the phase-out of paper tickets will be completed within a month. Exceptions will be made for minors and seniors to ensure inclusivity. Furthermore, plans are in place to extend this electronic ticketing system to other sporting events post-summer.
Papastergiou emphasized that one of the objectives of this initiative is to reduce the burden on Greek police by eliminating the need for a large police presence at stadium entrances. With the new system in place, police resources can be allocated more efficiently to ensure public safety.
Notably, out of the 80,000 season-ticket holders, 10,000 have already transitioned to the electronic ticketing system, indicating a positive response to the new measures.
