Wage disputes, an unsafe stadium and now privacy concerns around the implementation of facial recognition technology, Sheffield Wednesday heads into the new campaign under a cloud of uncertainty.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Supporters Trust has raised concerns after discovering the club allegedly plans to introduce facial recognition technology (FRT) at home fixtures from next season.
On August 1, the Trust wrote an open letter to Lewis Cox, Data Protection Officer at Sheffield Wednesday, reacting to findings in Safety Advisory Group meeting minutes obtained via an FOI request to Sheffield City Council that suggested FRT would be employed at Hillsborough.
“As I’m sure you are aware, the use of FRT raises significant legal, regulatory and ethical concerns,” an excerpt of the letter read.
“It is vital, therefore, that Sheffield Wednesday is transparent with fans regarding any planned deployment of this technology ahead of time, so that all fans can be reassured that Sheffield Wednesday’s actions are consistent with its regulatory responsibilities and, ultimately, taken in the best interests of fans.”
The letter asks: what outcome the club intends to achieve through FRT; who proposed its deployment; which third parties have been or will be involved; and how any collected data will be stored and protected, in addition to other queries.
Given the first home fixture of the new season will take place on August 16, the Trust has requested written responses to these questions by August 8. The club had not replied at the time of writing this article.
The Trust has also called for an immediate freeze on any facial recognition at turnstiles or inside the stadium until a transparent, meaningful dialogue has taken place at a national level, bringing together fans, leagues, the FA, civil rights groups and the Information Commissioner’s Office, on its legality and privacy implications.
“This [freeze] should remain in place at least until transparent and meaningful dialogue has taken place at a national level with fans, leagues, the FA, civil rights groups and the Information Commissioner’s Office on its legality and privacy concerns,” the letter states.
The tip of the iceberg
This intervention arrives amid what the Trust describes as a time of “significant anxiety for supporters,” adding that it is “more important than ever that the club is transparent” with its fanbase.
Off the pitch, owner Dejphon Chansiri has faced widespread criticism since purchasing the club in 2015. He put the club up for sale in 2018 but has declined all bids so far.
Former Crystal Palace and Lyon owner John Textor has expressed interest, despite facing criticism at the moment from the French side.
“I’m definitely interested. It’s a lot to solve in a short amount of time with regards to taking advantage of the transfer window but it’s definitely a club and community I would like to help,” he said.
Financial strain has also crept onto the pitch for the Championship side. Players are reported to have gone unpaid for three months and last weekend refused to take part in a friendly against Burnley, casting doubt over the season opener against Leicester City on August 10.
To make matters worse, Sheffield City Council issued a prohibition notice on the North Stand after safety advisors identified extensive roof corrosion and a lack of updated structural assurances. The notice prohibits spectators from the 9,255-capacity stand until the necessary remedial works are approved and completed.
In a statement published on August 6, Sheffield Wednesday said: “We continue to work closely with our professional advisors and contractors to ensure the North Stand can safely operate as usual from the first game of the new season.
“While we remain hopeful that all necessary steps can be completed ahead of the first home game of the season, contingency plans are being prepared in case this target cannot be achieved.”
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