In a few days, deputies of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation will submit to the State Duma a bill on the abolition of Fan ID – this is “championshipciting a knowledgeable source. The law regarding the introduction of a FAN ID to participate in sporting events is currently in effect – it came into force on 1 June 2021.
The idea of integrating the identity of fans in Russian football caused a strong reaction from many experts, but most importantly from those who were directly affected by it – the fans. Representatives of the fan movements of all clubs in the Russian Premier League (RPL) announced that they are boycotting their teams’ matches until it is decided not to introduce a fan identification system in Russian football.
True, in the end, the law still came into force, and only individual fan associations adhered to the boycott – in particular, active Spartak Moscow fans, who remained with their principles even when their team played in the final of the Russian Cup.
“The fans will not change their position”
The socialbites.ca initiative of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation was commented on by Alexander Shprygin, head of the All-Russian Fans Association (VOB). He was pleased that the issue was being brought to attention and noted that it would only be possible to truly assess the situation with Fan ID once the new season starts.
“Audiences are concerned that a Fan ID might be denied without giving a reason, and it’s a good thing they’re trying to pay attention to that and share that concern. The fact that Duma deputies are doing this, among other things, by launching any initiative, puts more emphasis on the issue. how real is the repeal?
I cannot say here categorically whether this initiative is populist or not, but even being asked to comment on it shows that they have achieved their goals and are drawing attention to the situation.
In fact, as far as I know, the state’s stance on this issue is stable and no one will compromise anything until now. But the fans will not change their position, cancel the boycotts and the extremely categorical perception of this innovation. Much depends on how the law will look in practice.
In addition to fears that many of the active fans will be barred from entering stadiums without explanation, national champion Zenit has also sent letters to clubs stating that the Fan ID law will kill attendance in the form of event spectators because this card is so inconvenient to get. So not only the fans but also the clubs are worried.
If there’s really troubles and sheer torment, chances are, sooner or later the Fan ID will be considered inappropriate. But so far I don’t see any progress. At the same time, of course, there is no need to remain silent. Will it bear fruit, that’s another matter. So far, I have not seen any precedent in our country that would cancel what the ruling party started,” he said.
“The Right Initiative”
Gadzhi Gadzhiev, a member of the RFU’s technical committee, head of Makhachkala Dynamo, has repeatedly opposed the promotion of Fan ID. He described the initiative of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation as correct, emphasizing that his negative attitude to the promotion of FAN ID is due to the similar opinion of many experts.
“When I mentioned some of the negative aspects of promoting Fan ID, I just didn’t trust my own opinion. I just don’t know some points of this law and if you don’t know it’s better not to talk. But when well-known experts in the football field – club leaders, coaches, football players – speak, you analyze and listen to their voices. Everything I have said before about this is in large part connected with the general position of the general number of experts.
I think this is the right attempt. We know that all fan groups refuse to provide a Fan ID. If any fan action is against it, it can be argued with because fans often commit legal violations in the stands. For example, Zenit fans posted an offensive banner about Lev Yashin, groups from different clubs insulted the fans of another team. I don’t think it’s a coincidence, so Krasnodar owner Sergey Galitsky thought that his club didn’t need a fan action.
We remember when the stands were crowded with families. But of course, families don’t really want to hear the cheers from individual fan groups.
There should be no extremism – and with regard to the fans, they need to be supported and guided as they are football fans. Of course there has to be a framework for their behavior in the stadium. Therefore, if the Communist Party initiates the removal of Fan ID, it may be possible to fix some points. So the attempt is correct, ”Hajiyev was convinced.
“We need to review this bill”
In contrast, Dmitry Svishchev, chairman of the State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sports, stated earlier that fans will not be able to get the Fan ID removed by boycotting the matches. However, he is ready to evaluate the initiative of a political party.
“So far I have no information about this bill. I called my colleagues from the Communist Party. This could be the private initiative of any MP. We will think, we will communicate.
The views of RFU, Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Digital Development, interested structures are important here. Of course, we are also curious about the opinions of fans and clubs, if such a bill is indeed introduced.
To understand what kind of invoice this is, it is necessary to carefully study it. Therefore, any tendency in this or that direction is ungrateful. Let’s see. I’m sure it’s not like you said. I say this from the point of view that I want to study this bill, ”said Svishchev Championship.
Why do you need a Fan ID in Russian sports?
The fan identification system in Russia was tested at the Sochi Olympics and subsequently used during the 2017 Football Confederations Cup and the 2018 World Cup. Frankly, it was basically impossible to enter the matches of these two tournaments without a Fan ID. The fan’s “passport” became a guarantee of safety in the stands, and also allowed the holder to enjoy certain benefits, such as free travel on matchday public transport or on intercity trains specially designated for fans.
Fan ID for foreigners has completely replaced the entry visa to Russia. While not essential for those wishing to go to tournament matches in Europe, St. Fan ID was also required for visitors to Euro 2020 matches in St.
However, the idea of introducing Fan ID into the internal system of Russian competitions – and we are talking about not only football, but also other sports – caused rejection among many. RFU Head Alexander Dyukov stressed that this measure concerns only security issues.
“Law enforcement believes that another additional barrier is necessary. One of the main tasks of those involved in maintaining security is not just to punish crimes, but above all to prevent them in advance.
Previously, law enforcement could only detect and prosecute after the incident,” he said.
It is noteworthy that the leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, Gennady Zyuganov, spoke against Fan ID in January. He urged to listen to the “voice of the people”.
“There is a feeling that current managers are trying to stick an ‘electronic label’ on everyone. The turn has also reached football fans, who are an analogue of QR codes, but only want to implement the so-called Fan ID for football.
The Fan ID law should be repealed. It is important to hear and listen to the voice of the people who say no to any attempt to “personify” the country.
Zyuganov wrote on social networks.
It is worth emphasizing that the law does not mandate a Fan ID for visitors to Russia’s biggest sporting events. It is up to the Government of the Russian Federation to determine the competitions in which the identity of the fans and verification of their identity will be mandatory. You can apply for a FAN ID through the utilities portal. At the same time, the issuance of a document may be refused for various reasons – for example, on the basis of knowledge that a fan or tournament participant violated public order at a sporting event and only outside the Russian Federation. It is also possible to refuse to provide a Supporter ID in the event of a court order and information that undermines the state’s defense capability and security.