Eredivisie: PSV Eindhoven supporters request ban on Wi-Fi in Philips Stadion

PSV Eindhoven supporters (Eredivisie, the Dutch league) have asked their club to ban Wi-Fi in the Philips Stadion (capacity 35,000) during the fixture against NAC Breda (6-1), on 16/08/2014. The supporters believe that the Wi-Fi distracts the fans and prevents them from supporting their team.

Banners were deployed by the supporters during the game, notably showing the Wi-Fi sign crossed in red. The fans also denounced a series of measures taken by the club to attract a wealthier audience at home games, with, for example, a smaller tolerance for standing supporters in the stands.

57% of the fans used the wireless network, or 17,000 spectators out of the 30,000 in total at the stadium. A peak of 11,000 simultaneous connections was recorded during the game.

PSV, UPC Netherland (provider of digital TV, ADSL Internet and telephony services) and Infostrada Sports (application development) launched the "Connected Stadium" project, which enables fans to access the Wi-Fi network of the Philips Stadion and a dedicated app starting in 2014-15, on 09/04/2014.

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