The organisation defends that the implementation of the system was demanded by Antiviolencia and approved by the CSD, denying responsibility in the management of the data

Full article

LaLiga contests the one million euro fine for the use of biometrics in stadiums

LaLiga has decided to take the €1 million fine imposed by the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) to court. The sanction is based on the alleged lack of a data protection impact assessment before implementing biometric identification systems in the stands.

In an official statement, LaLiga has described the AEPD's decision as erroneous, arguing that the implementation of these systems was not its own initiative, but a requirement of the Anti-Violence Commission and a measure approved by the Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD). LaLiga insists that it has no access to or control over the biometric data collected, and therefore considers the sanction unjustified.

LaLiga's arguments: no control over biometric data

According to LaLiga, the regulations governing the use of biometric identification were established within the framework of supervision and public control of the CSD and applied to the clubs at the request of the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport (CEVRXID).

In this regard, the organisation argues that it does not have access to or manage the biometric data, as this corresponds to the clubs that have implemented the systems in their stadiums. Therefore, it argues that it is not legally responsible and cannot be obliged to carry out a data protection impact assessment, given that it does not process or make decisions on such information.

Furthermore, LaLiga recalls that, since January 2023, it has worked together with Antiviolencia, the CSD and the National Sports Office (OND) on the modification of the 2007 Law against violence in sport. According to the employers' association, the AEPD did not oppose the use of biometric systems in meetings held with the CSD.

Background: LaLiga already won an appeal against the AEPD.

The organisation also recalled that the Supreme Court had already ruled in its favour in July 2024 when it annulled another sanction imposed by the AEPD. On that occasion, the fine was due to the activation of the microphone on mobile devices of users who had given their consent through the official LaLiga app.

Commitment to safety in stadiums

Despite the sanction, LaLiga insists on its commitment to stadium safety and the fight against violence, racism and intolerance in football. In its statement, the organisation says it will continue to promote legislative measures to improve access control and reinforce the safety of players and fans.