Belgium Tightens Football Law, Moves Toward Biometric Ticket Checks

The Belgian federal government has amended the football law to curb violence in stadiums. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin announced that the minimum fine for violations will rise from €250 to €500, penalties for racism, violence and fireworks are increased, and stadium bans are extended. A single national database will record all administrative, judicial and civil bans, which clubs must consult when selling tickets.

The reforms also prepare for mandatory identity verification at stadium entrances. Future tickets will have to be issued in the purchaser’s name, and clubs must develop a system for compulsory identity checks. While biometric identification, such as facial‑recognition, is not yet deployed, the legal framework could permit its use from 2028. The measures are praised for strengthening enforcement of bans but have sparked privacy concerns among supporters.