Dijon replaces season tickets with NFC-enabled scarves
French club Dijon FCO has introduced an initiative to replace traditional season ticket cards with NFC-chipped scarves for a more modern fan experience.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Author: Arnaud 25
French second-tier side Dijon FCO has introduced a unique initiative to modernize its matchday experience by replacing traditional plastic season ticket cards with club-branded scarves.
Each scarf features an integrated NFC chip hidden beneath an embroidered patch of the club's owl mascot. Fans can scan this patch at the Stade Gaston Gerard turnstiles to gain entry. Beyond access, the chip functions as a cashless wallet, allowing supporters to purchase drinks and concessions within the stadium.
The project was launched in partnership with ticketing firm Weezevent, led by Dijon president Pierre-Henri Deballon. Upon purchasing a season ticket, fans receive a QR code to pair their assigned scarf with an online account, linking it to the stadium's payment system.
While this marks a first for French football, the concept has appeared elsewhere. German club FC Koln trialed similar scarf-based entry in 2022, while Swiss side FC St Gallen has implemented it on a permanent basis. Other clubs, including Brazil's Atletico Mineiro and various Mexican teams, have previously experimented with NFC integration in jerseys for payments and digital content.