HID Global to deliver Smart and Secure Tickets for 2018 FIFA World Cup

HID Global has been appointed as the “official ticket producer” for the 2018 FIFA World Cup to deliver more than 3 million secure RFID tickets for the 64 matches, which will be held in 11 host cities of the Russian Federation from 14 June to 15 July 2018.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup ticket is a smart ticket containing a RFID inlay and manufactured with special security papers and integrates several security features designed to prevent counterfeiting and forgery. Data that is stored in a ticket’s RFID chip is encrypted and digitally signed.

“HID Global is providing FIFA with a formidable defense against ticket fraud and simplifying the process of a fan’s picking a ticket and using it to tap and go into the stadium,” said Stefan Widing, President and CEO of HID Global. “We’re confident that this RFID solution, along with the other advanced ticket security features, will give FIFA and attendees an extra level of security and a better overall FIFA World Cup experience.”

Illicit ticket sales is a major concern for FIFA World Cup events, where tickets are always in very high demand. In a recent press release, FIFA reminded prospective tournament attendees that “FIFA regards the illicit sale and distribution of tickets as a serious issue and in cooperation with local authorities, including consumer protection agencies in numerous countries, strives to identify and curb unauthorized ticket sales.”

FIFA cautions soccer fans that tickets obtained from any other source than the official FIFA.com/tickets website will be automatically cancelled once identified, barring the holder access to the stadium or to any refund or other compensation.