NXP Delivers New Security, Connectivity to 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Finals

NXP Semiconductors N.V. announced that with the use of its MIFARE products, it helps bring secure, contactless ticketing to the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia matches including the upcoming final game.
 
The NXP contactless chip solution inside the match tickets provides fans with fast, hassle-free and safe access to Russia’s World Cup stadiums. Additionally, the company’s NTAG NFC technology was chosen to enable all new connected experiences with the Official Match Ball, the adidas Telstar 18.
 
As the most innovative FIFA World Cup ball to date, the NFC technology allows the ball to interact with smartphones to display specific details of each ball and provides access to challenges, which users can enter in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup.
 
Across the globe, smart stadiums are embracing connectivity solutions and the Internet of Things (IoT) to bring fans captivating, personalized, and more convenient experiences. The 2018 FIFA World Cup is one of the largest sports events worldwide. This attracts scammers, with big live events being a major target through the high demand of tickets.
 
To prevent illicit trading and ticket fraud, and increase overall event security, all official 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia tickets are equipped with NXP’s MIFARE Ultralight EV1 contactless IC, a smart RFID chip featuring an authenticity check through a special originality signature. Embedded inside each ticket, the IC stores information about the admission and the ticket’s originality, thus protecting spectators from counterfeits while also providing the FIFA World Cup organizers greater visibility into these grey markets.
 
All visitors of the World Cup games benefit from convenient access to the venues through the ticket’s tap-and-go nature. Compared to barcode or QR-Code tickets, the contactless RFID solution works faster to enable swift access to the stadiums as visitors only need to tap their ticket to a contactless reader at the entrance to validate.
 
“We are committed to continuing a long legacy of enabling convenient ticketing and secure payment experiences for events around the world,” said Markus Staeblein, VP and GM of Secure Mobility and Retail at NXP. “By selecting our field-proven MIFARE products once again, the 2018 FIFA World Cup continues to entrust NXP with supporting their seamless fan experience while also protecting the fans and organizers from targeted counterfeiting.”
 
For the first time, the official match ball of the FIFA World Cup features embedded NFC technology for new interactivity. Leveraging NXP’s NTAG NFC solution, fans are able to interact with the new adidas Telstar 18 ball with a tap of their smartphone. The personalized and location-aware experience displays specific details of each ball and provides access to challenges which consumers can enter in the run-up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.