A project related to security at soccer matches ("Together for Safe Soccer") commissioned by the Soccer Safety Service of the General Directorate of Security and Prevention at the FPS Home Affairs ("Home Affairs"), as granted by Ministerial Decree dated December 13, 2023. The central objective of the project focuses on designing a legal framework for deploying technological support that uses biometric features for smooth and secure access control with an accurate ticketing policy.

The proposed research aims to clarify data protection issues and GDPR guidelines, providing recommendations to Home Affairs regarding an amendment to the Belgian (soccer) law so that it either includes an explicit legal obligation or creates the possibility to conduct 1-to-1 authentication of soccer fans based on biometric features (e.g. photo, palm, fingerprint…) for access to the stadium/perimeter. Such a method would allow soccer clubs and federations to efficiently enforce imposed stadium bans (and accordingly increase the safety of fans at soccer matches). The project will employ a combination of qualitative research methods, including literature review, expert interviews, and stakeholder analysis, among others. This project will be carried out in close collaboration with Home Affairs, (willing) soccer clubs (e.g., KAA Gent, RAFC), and the Pro League.