The evolution of payment in football stadiums: a look from the 2006 World Cup to Euro 2024

Just before the start of UEFA EURO 2024, we take a look at the development of payment in football stadiums: from cash and long waiting times at the 2006 World Cup to contactless payment and lightning-fast checkouts at EURO 2024. A fascinating comparison shows how digitalization has revolutionized the stadium experience for fans.

Read all about at our colleagues at Finanz-Szene (only in German)

Addendum from June 28, 2024: And now live from the stadium

Hopes were high, but unfortunately these notes are still popping up at stalls during EURO 2024:

Despite the impressive advances in digital payments and the widespread acceptance of card payments in soccer stadiums around the world, there are unfortunately still stalls at EURO 2024 that only accept cash. The photo from the stadium in Düsseldorf during the match between Spain and Albania shows one such stall.

This leads to irritated reactions from foreign fans. Visitors from other European countries are used to being able to pay by card everywhere and are surprised when they suddenly have to pay in cash.
When asked by the stand operator – these are usually temporary sales stands without a permanently installed infrastructure – they said that card payments could not be offered due to the lack of or unstable internet connection.

This raises questions about the preparation and implementation of the payment infrastructure at EURO 2024. Separate Wi-Fi networks, which can only be used by the media, are available in practically every stadium. These networks are prioritized in such a way that live reports can be broadcast from the stadiums even when they are sold out. And that shouldn’t work for kiosks?

The organizers should ensure that all stalls accept card payments and are equipped accordingly to meet international standards and offer all fans a convenient and efficient payment experience. Then warnings to always carry enough cash, such as those issued by the British press to their own fans after the opening game in Gelsenkirchen, will no longer be necessary.