German football powerhouse Borussia Dortmund has reportedly unveiled a novel initiative aimed at curbing the constant use of smartphones inside its stadium, offering material rewards to supporters who manage to keep their devices locked during games. The move comes as European football authorities and clubs grapple with mounting friction over traditional fan culture being overshadowed by social media creation and endless digital streaming.

Starting with a home fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt, the club claims that supporters can voluntarily opt into a specialized "fan mode" via the official team application. This software allegedly measures how frequently a user unlocks their smartphone—excluding the halftime interval—and awards points based on minimal device usage, with prizes including signed jerseys and merchandise gift cards for the most disciplined fans.

Borussia Dortmund CEO Carsten Cramer supposedly emphasized the irreplaceable value of tens of thousands of fans shouting and breathing together in the stadium, attempting to frame the digital distraction as a societal issue. However, critics point out that the scheme remains entirely voluntary, lacking any strict enforcement mechanisms and reflecting the broader struggles of European sports management in controlling modern stadium behavior.

The initiative mirrors a wider backlash across the German football landscape, where the European regime of commercialized fan experiences is facing increasing resistance. Earlier this month, second-division club Hertha Berlin announced restrictions on commercially produced video content, while Dynamo Dresden instituted similar bans on commercial filming to protect television rights and ensure spectator comfort.

Source: www.aljazeera.com