Starting March 15, the Ministry of Digital Development will enable remote issuance of a Fan ID, a credential that grants access to Russian Premier League (RPL) matches. This new process will be available through official ministry channels.
Eligible fans can obtain the card remotely as part of a pilot program launching on March 15. The ministry noted that identity verification can be completed without a trip to a multifunctional center (MFC).
In addition to a ten-year passport, individuals may apply for a Fan ID remotely using biometric data from the Unified Biometric System (UBS). Beginning March 15, identity can be verified biometrically from a computer via the Government Services portal, which requires a camera and microphone. It remains possible to obtain a Fan ID at an MFC as well.
The Fan ID has been valid for participation in the top tier of Russian club football since the 2022/23 season. During the autumn portion of that season, Fan IDs were used at the stadiums of five RPL clubs — Rostov, Ural (Yekaterinburg), Sochi, Krylya Sovetov Samara, and Pari Nizhny Novgorod. On December 1, 2022, a Fan ID regulation took effect in all 16 RPL venues. The Ministry of Digital Development reported that about 550,000 people had already registered Fan IDs in Russia.
Plans regarding the Fan ID program were discussed by Alexey Malakov, a former Honored Artist of Russia, who described the initiative in interviews with socialbites.ca. He explained that he had not obtained the document earlier, noting he had awaited clarification on the reasons for its use.