Almost 1.5 million football and basketball tickets have been verified through the Greek government’s Wallet app, which enables digital ticketing and identification for attendees at sporting events.
The state-run digital identification app was launched last year in a bid to tackle violence in sports, and also applies to minors and foreign visitors. Over 1.45 million tickets have been verified so far.
Sports-related violence has plagued Greece, with football clubs forced to close their stadiums for two months in late 2023 and early 2024 after a police officer was left with serious injuries following a fan attack at a volleyball game.
The police officer was hit by a flare during the match between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, who are owned by the football teams of the same name.
Now, Greek officials have called the system a success, improving stadium security and fan experience.
Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papasrwegiou told the Athens News Agency that the “numbers speak for themselves”.
Tackling violence in sports in Greece has been a sticking point for the country’s government.
In November, England’s Football Association and Football Supporters’ Association announced they would be investigating reports of violence towards English fans in the build up to a UEFA Nations League game between Greece and England.
Just last month, it was revealed that Olympiacos chairman Evangelos Marinakis and four board members will stand trial on misdemeanour charges as part of a probe into sports violence.
Marinakis also owns English Premier League club Nottingham Forest, and was accused of supporting a criminal organisation linked to Olympiacos fans.
His lawyer Vassilis Dimakopoulos told Reuters that the accusation was totally “baseless” and a trial date has yet to be set.
Authorities launched the probe after the police officer was fatally injured at the Olympiacos and Panathinaikos volleyball game.
