State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova addressed the anticipated gathering of Russian Premier League clubs and the Russian Football Union regarding the Fan ID scheme.
“I’m hesitant to speak out too loudly on this topic because I’ve lately become something of a meme for commenting on it. Guilty in every sense, it seems better not to say much. Just kidding, a little mockery is involved. There is a wave of negative attention in social networks, and fans have reacted with notable intensity.”
Zhurova emphasized that her position remains consistent: she supports the Fan ID initiative and its potential benefits for football crowds. She described the topic as unexpectedly delicate, yet one that has managed to unite people around a shared issue. Yet she noted that even expressing an opinion can lead to harsh scrutiny, saying, “I have my own view, but many in the country appear unwilling to respect it.”
Since the current season began, the Fan ID system has become mandatory for attending five major venues across Russia. The list includes the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, the Yekaterinburg Arena, the Rostov Arena, the Samara Arena at Solidarity, and the Fisht stadium. These venues host teams from Nizhny Novgorod, Ural, Rostov, Krylya Sovetov, and Sochi, respectively. The policy is expected to expand to additional stadiums during the second half of the season.
Earlier, Zarema Salikhova, wife of Spartak-Moscow owner Leonid Fedun, commented on her own views regarding Fan ID, adding another layer to the public discourse surrounding the program.