Borussia Dortmund launches an initiative to reward fans who do not use their phones during matches

Borussia Dortmund is launching, starting with Saturday’s match against Eintracht Frankfurt, a feature designed to encourage supporters to give up their mobile phones during matches and pay closer attention to the game.

“Fan mode” is available in the club’s mobile app and can be activated on match day. The feature monitors how long the phone screen remains locked, and fans receive points for every minute they do not use their smartphone.

At halftime, supporters can check their phones, but they must reactivate the feature for the second half. The scoring system ends at the final whistle.

Those who accumulate the most points can win Borussia Dortmund shirts with autographs and vouchers for the club’s stores. The initiative comes as almost two-thirds of the team’s fans regularly use their phones during matches.

Club officials say that more and more supporters are annoyed by selfies, live broadcasts and social media being used in the stands. The club is urging fans to leave their phones in their pockets and watch the match “with all their senses”.

Read also Daniel Pancu rejects Rapid’s status as favorites in the derby against FCSB: “Now that really is a wow story! It’s nonsense.”