The Football Supporters' Association has formally announced its stance against the implementation of facial recognition technology at stadium turnstiles in English football venues.

[1] The Football Supporters' Association or FSA, which advocates for fans throughout England and Wales, [2] has voiced serious concerns regarding the potential implementation of facial recognition technology in stadiums. In a recent statement, the organization [3] highlighted fans' apprehensions about privacy issues, the legality of these technologies, and the possible negative effects on the matchday experience. A major point of contention for the FSA is the risk of demographic bias, which could lead to the unfair treatment of specific groups of supporters. “This organisation calls for an immediate freeze on facial recognition technology being used at turnstiles or inside stadia until further notice. This should remain in place at least until transparent and meaningful dialogue has taken place at a national level with fans, leagues, the FA, civil rights groups and the Information Commissioner’s Office on its legality and privacy concerns,” said the FSA.

In addition to concerns over privacy and bias, the FSA has criticized the lack of meaningful engagement with fans regarding the introduction of facial recognition systems at football venues. The organization has urged for greater transparency and thorough consultation before any football authorities, clubs, or stadium operators move forward with such technological initiatives. In October 2019, Cardiff City supporters voiced strong criticism of South Wales Police for [4] deploying facial recognition technology during their match against Swansea City without prior consultation. During Sunday’s game, numerous Cardiff fans donned Halloween masks as a form of protest, waving “No Facial Recognition” banners outside the Liberty Stadium. 

Members of [5] the Cardiff City Supporters’ Club and FSA Cymru also shared their discontent regarding the police's choice to implement this technology at the event, which civil liberties advocates argue remains largely unregulated. Vince Alm [6] who is a representative at  Cardiff City Supporters’ Club said, “We strongly oppose the police decision to use facial recognition. It’s just a local football match, yet we haven’t had a say and we can’t opt out.”