Cyprus is taking a digital leap in sports safety, with authorities on Monday announcing the full integration of the national fan card into the government’s digital citizen app.

The deputy ministry of research and the Cyprus sports organisation (Koa) unveiled the new system during a press conference, aiming to improve stadium access and tackle violence in sports venues.

The event was attended by Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis, alongside representatives from the ministry of education, the police, the stadium supervisory committee, and various sports federations and clubs.

From now on, Cypriot citizens over the age of 18 will only be able to issue or renew their fan card through the digital citizen app. The app will also be used to validate each cardholder’s identity and confirm their right to enter sports venues via a scannable QR code.

Kostas Solomou, head of the fan card registry at Koa, explained that only three categories of people will be allowed to use the alternative online platform at fancard.cy: minors aged 14–18, visitors with foreign passports, and holders of residence permits (ARC). Koa remains the legal authority in charge of maintaining the central registry of fan card holders.

Entry to matches for all fan card holders, except tourists, will be verified via the digital citizen app using the QR code on their digital card.

Digital citizen

Koa president Yiannis Ioannou said the updated system addresses longstanding technical issues. 

“We believe the enhanced features of the card help in our fight against violence in stadiums. But coordination among all parties is essential,” he stressed. 

“We are moving one step forward by linking the fan card to digital citizen. From now on, both renewals and new card registrations must be done through the app.”

Deputy Minister of Innovation Nicodemos Damianou said the move was part of a broader strategy to deliver safe, digital public services. 

“This step, along with the new legislation on tackling violence in stadiums, forms part of a holistic approach to building a secure and modern sports environment,” he said.

He outlined additional security layers, including the use of CY Login for identity verification, a one-time password (OTP) feature, and optional biometric ID, to stop forgery and unauthorised use.

“The fan card’s integration is only the beginning,” Damianou added.

“We are now preparing to connect match tickets directly to each Fan Card, offering an even more seamless and secure fan experience.”

To access digital citizen, users must have a verified CY Login profile with two-factor authentication. So far, 440,000 citizens have completed the verification process.

A dedicated section with instructions, FAQs and support for the fan card is available at: www.digital-citizen.gov.cy.