City Xtra ·22 July 2026 In partnership with Yahoo sportsCity Xtra ·22 July 2026 Manchester City have clarified their position on the introduction of facial recognition technology at the Etihad Stadium, confirming the club have no current plans to implement the system in response to supporter concerns over its potential use in ticketing and access procedures, as per a new report. The issue has gained renewed attention among the supporter base ahead of the 2026-27 season, with Manchester City having previously explored a facial recognition trial in 2019 before stepping back from the project, and more recent reports of updated turnstile infrastructure at the Etihad Stadium reigniting questions about the direction of the club’s matchday access policies. The Football Supporters’ Association had raised concerns after news emerged of new turnstile equipment at the Etihad Stadium that was capable of housing facial recognition cameras, with supporter groups warning that the scope of the system could expand beyond its stated purpose to encompass a broader and potentially more restrictive approach to ticketing enforcement. Manchester City’s new ticket scheme to help local supporters, through the eyes of football fans Manchester City have now moved to address those concerns directly, with communication from the club offering reassurance on the immediate position while acknowledging the wider context of a fanbase that has been increasingly vocal about the direction of the club’s ticketing policies over recent seasons. The clarification arrives at a moment when the club has also introduced a number of changes to its ticket transfer arrangements for 2026-27, with the updated Friends and Family policy extending the pool of people Season Ticket Members can pass their ticket to – one of several adjustments made following consultation with City Matters, the club’s formal supporter engagement body. According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester City have