FMF fined by INAI for mishandling personal data

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has been fined by the National Institute of Transparency (INAI) for mishandling personal data. The FMF was found to have breached privacy laws in their campaign to encourage fans to buy tickets for two Qatar World Cup qualifying matches. Both games took place at the Azteca stadium - the first home games following a FIFA ban. In November 2021, FIFA fined the FMF $110,000 and ordered Mexico to play two World Cup qualifiers behind closed doors due to the ongoing use of a homophobic chant by fans.

The Federation’s Register your ticket campaign collected personal data from minors without the consent of their parents. And that was not the only issue - the process was carried out without showing security, technical and administrative measures.

The campaign was launched for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica on 31 January and Panama on 3 February 2022 at the Azteca which were attended by approximately 2,000 fans. Both of those matches were supposed to be played behind closed doors but a limited number of fans were allowed in by invitation on the condition that they register and provide personal information.

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The FMF is still awaiting official notification from the INAI, but according to Mediotiempo, the federation will be fined 23 million pesos ($1.22 million). However, it is expected that the governing body of Mexican soccer will launch an appeal.