By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Oct 25 — Selangor FC is set to enhance the experience for its fans with new technology, including near-field communication (NFC) features, as part of its grand plans for the new Shah Alam Sports Complex (KSSA), slated for completion by 2029.
The club’s general manager of media and marketing Ridwuan Mahamud said NFC technology will facilitate stadium entry for season ticket holders, enabling contactless access.
“Our vision extends beyond football; we’re crafting a carnival-like atmosphere around the stadium on match days to draw families,” Ridwuan was quoted as saying to news portal Twentytwo13.
Speaking at the recent “Technical Innovation in Sports” event during the Game Changers: Legal Evolution in Sports Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Ridwuan said Selangor FC aims to foster a more inclusive, family-oriented atmosphere.
He said the club, which had established itself as a pioneer in the football scene with its introduction of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), envisions further opportunities to enhance fan engagement through digital assets.
Ridwuan said while NFTs were introduced to diversify merchandise beyond traditional jerseys and tickets, educating supporters about their use was initially challenging.
“For the new stadium, we’re optimistic about implementing additional technological advancements, including NFC-enabled jerseys for season ticket holders,” he said.
The club has also been exploring other innovative solutions, including facial recognition, to further enhance stadium accessibility.
[caption id="attachment_377374" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Selangor FC fans seen outside the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, on August 24, 2024, ahead of the Piala FA final. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Recently, a Selangor FC delegation visited Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park, which shares a designer with the KSSA, to study its ultra-modern facilities.
To broaden its appeal, particularly among women, Ridwuan said the club plans to hold ladies’ night promotions with complimentary entry and exclusive giveaways.
He stressed the importance of diversifying fan engagement through activation booths and family-orientated activities on match days.
Moreover, Selangor FC is intensifying its digital presence by closely monitoring supporter sentiment on social media.
“A defeat can transform public opinion overnight. We must proactively address negative commentary and misinformation to safeguard the team’s reputation.”
Meanwhile, Malaysia Sports Law Association president Sri Sarguna Raj cautioned that as technology becomes increasingly prevalent in football, clubs must strengthen their data protection measures, particularly concerning performance tracking systems.
“Clubs must ensure robust data security, especially following incidents like the Strava breach, which exposed sensitive military information,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s legal framework for data protection requires strengthening.
