Privacy Policy

1. Who is responsible for your data?

The entity responsible for operating Match Me and processing personal data in connection with the service is:

Legal name of the company: Match Me

Trading name: Match Me

Country of registration: State of Kuwait

It is referred to in this policy as “Match Me”, “the company” or “we”.

2. Scope of the Privacy Policy

This policy applies to data processed through:

• the Match Me app.
• the official website.
• User account.
• Match services and player matching.
• Tournaments and challenges.
• Coach services.
• Pitch services.
• Prizes and vouchers.
• Digital rewards wallet.
• Subscriptions and payments.
• Customer service.
• Reports and complaints.
• Activities directly related to Match Me’s services.
• Future services that refer to this policy.

Some new services may be subject to additional terms or privacy notices, which will be displayed upon their launch.

3. Data you provide to us

We may collect data that you provide directly when creating an account or using the services, including, depending on the service used:

Account data

• Name.
• Display name.
• Telephone number.
• Email address.
• Date of birth or age, where required.
• Encrypted password or authentication credentials used.
• Profile picture, if the user chooses to add one.
• Language and preferences.

Sports data

may include:

• The sport the user practises.
• Level of play.
• Preferred position or side, where applicable.
• Matches.
• Results.
• Number of plays.
• Participation record.
• Tournaments.
• Challenges.
• Ratings.
• Achievements or statistics provided by the app.

This information is used to provide sports-related features and improve user matching.

4. Coach data

If a user is registered as a coach, we may collect:

• Name.
• Contact details.
• Photo.
• Professional experience.
• Specialism.
• Qualifications.
• Certificates.
• Courses.
• Sports he coaches.
• Years of experience.
• Prices or service details, if available.
• Availability.
• Reviews.
• Documents required for account verification.

Some professional information may be visible to other users so that they can evaluate the coach and choose the right service.

5. Data on sports grounds and facilities

We may process information about sports facilities participating in Match Me, such as:

• the name of the facility.
• Logo.
• Location.
• Contact details.
• Social media accounts.
• Photos.
• Opening hours.
• Types of pitches.
• Services and facilities.
• Booking information, where available.
• Offers.
• Information about the establishment’s representative required to manage the relationship.

General business information about the establishment may be displayed to users via the app or website.

6. Data on sponsors and partners

We may collect and process information relating to partners and sponsors, including:

• Company name.
• Logo.
• Details of the company representative.
• Contact details.
• Location.
• Social media accounts.
• Offer details.
• Types of prizes.
• Number of prizes.
• Validity periods.
• Voucher redemption details.

General commercial information about the sponsor may be displayed to users as part of the prizes or marketing campaigns.

7. Competition data

When you create or join a competition, we may process information such as:

• The match organiser.
• The participants.
• Sport.
• Level of play.
• History.
• Time.
• Venue or location.
• Match status.
• The result.
• Attendance.
• Data required to calculate entitlements and bonuses.

Some of this information may be displayed to users who need it to join or take part in a match.

8. Tournament and challenge data

When you take part in a tournament or challenge, we may process:

• Participants’ data.
• Teams.
• Matches.
• Results.
• Standings.
• Prizes.
• Eligibility criteria.
• Competition-related infringements.
• Information necessary for organising the event.

The names of the winners, results or images relating to the event may be published in accordance with the service settings and the necessary notifications and consents.

9. Prize and voucher details

When a user wins a prize, we may process:

• The prize ID.
• The type of prize.
• Al-Ra’i.
• Date of issue.
• Expiry date.
• Redemption code or QR code.
• Prize status.
• Redemption date.
• The outlet where the redemption took place.
• Information required to verify eligibility.

This data is used to prevent the repeated use, forgery or misuse of vouchers.

10. Digital wallet

Match Me may include a digital wallet to display:

• Rewards.
• Vouchers.
• Discounts.
• Gifts.
• Benefits.

This wallet is not a bank account and does not necessarily involve the storage of electronic money, unless Match Me offers a separate financial service in the future that is subject to the necessary conditions and licences.

11. Payment details

When purchasing a subscription or a paid service, information such as the following may be processed:

• The transaction amount.
• The transaction date.
• Type of service.
• Payment status.
• Transaction reference number.
• Payment service provider.

Sensitive payment data may be processed directly by the payment service provider or the app store; in this case, Match Me does not necessarily receive the full bank card details.

Data processing carried out directly by the payment provider is subject to its own policies and terms and conditions.

12. Device data and technical information

When you use Match Me, certain technical information may be collected automatically, including, depending on the technology used:

• Device type.
• Operating system.
• App version.
• Language.
• Relevant technical identifiers.
• IP address.
• Login times.
• Error logs.
• Performance data.
• Security data.
• Account activity within the service.

This data is used to operate, improve and protect the app, and to detect faults and fraud.

13. Geolocation data

Match Me may request access to the user’s location to provide location-based services, such as:

• finding nearby venues.
• Displaying nearby matches.
• Improve search results.
• Suggest services based on location.
• Certain verification and anti-fraud measures where necessary.

Access to the website is subject to the permissions granted by the user via their device.

Users can disable location permissions in their device settings, although some features may not function fully thereafter.

14. Contacts

Match Me does not access the phone’s contact list unless a feature requiring such access is launched and the appropriate permission is requested from the user.

Should a feature such as ‘Invite Friends’ be added, the nature and purpose of the data used will be explained before access is granted, where required.

15. Camera and Photos

The app may request access to the camera or photo library for purposes such as:

• adding a profile picture.
• Uploading a trainer’s certificate.
• Scan the QR code.
• Upload the required document.
• Use other features selected by the user.

Granting camera or photo permission does not mean that the company will use the entire photo library for purposes unrelated to the feature requested by the user.

16. Notifications

Match Me may request permission to send notifications to the user.

Notifications may include:

• Match requests.
• Accepting players.
• Match changes.
• Challenges.
• Tournaments.
• Awards.
• Coupon expiry.
• Subscription information.
• Security alerts.
• Important service updates.
• Marketing offers where permitted.

Users can manage notifications via the app or device settings, depending on the type of notification and the available options.

17. Why do we use your data?

Data may be processed for the following purposes:

1. To create and manage your account.
2. To provide Match Me services.
3. Matching players.
4. Creating and managing matches.
5. Manage tournaments and challenges.
6. Manage coaches’ accounts.
7. Stadium layout.
8. Prize and voucher management.
9. Subscription management.
10. Processing and recording payments.
11. Providing customer service.
12. Handling reports and complaints.
13. Preventing fraud and deception.
14. Protection of users.
15. Protection of the company’s systems.
16. Analysing app performance.
17. Troubleshooting.
18. Service development.
19. Compliance with legal requirements.
20. Sending service-related communications.
21. Marketing where permitted.

18. Legal basis for data processing

Depending on the nature of the data, the purpose and the applicable law, data processing is based on an appropriate legal basis, such as:

• Performance of the service or the agreement with the user.
• Taking steps at the user’s request prior to providing the service.
• To comply with a legal obligation.
• To protect the legitimate rights and interests of the company or users where permitted by law.
• Preventing fraud and safeguarding the security of the service.
• User consent where consent is required by law.

Where processing is based on consent, the user may withdraw their consent in accordance with the law, without this affecting the lawfulness of any processing carried out prior to the withdrawal of consent.

19. Combating fraud and manipulation

Account, match, prize, device and transaction data may be used to detect activities such as:

• Fake accounts.
• Multiple accounts in breach of the rules.
• Fake results.
• Fixed matches.
• Misuse of prizes.
• Reuse of QR codes.
• Payment fraud.
• Attempts to circumvent the ban.
• Exploiting technical errors.
• Cyberattacks.

Certain operations or accounts may be suspended whilst suspicious activity is being investigated.

20. Who might we share data with?

We do not share personal data indiscriminately.

The necessary amount of data may be shared with:

• technical service providers.
• Hosting providers.
• Payment service providers.
• Notification and messaging services.
• Map service providers, where applicable.
• Security and anti-fraud services.
• Stadiums, where necessary to provide a service requested by the user.
• Instructors, where necessary, to carry out a booking or service.
• Sponsoring companies when redeeming a prize.
• Professional advisers where there is a legitimate need.
• Government or judicial authorities where disclosure is required by law.
• The entity acquiring Match Me in the event of a merger, acquisition or transfer of the business in accordance with the law.

21. What does the sponsor see when the prize is redeemed?

When using a voucher or QR code with a sponsor, the information displayed must be limited to what is necessary to verify the prize, such as:

• the validity of the voucher.
• The type of reward.
• Usage status.
• Expiry date.
• Operation ID.
• Information necessary to verify the beneficiary’s identity if the prize is personal.

The sponsor’s access to this information does not confer a general right to use user data for independent marketing purposes without an appropriate legal basis.

22. Do we sell users’ data?

Match Me does not sell users’ personal data for money as part of its normal business activities.

We may use service providers to process data on our behalf to operate the app; this is not considered a sale of data where the relationship is regulated in accordance with the law.

23. Marketing and advertising

Match Me may use relevant data to send offers, news or marketing campaigns where this is permitted by law.

Campaigns may include offers:

• Match Me.
• Stadiums.
• Coaches.
• Sponsors.
• Tournaments.
• Prizes.

A means of opting out of marketing communications is provided where required by law.

24. Personalised advertising

If, in future, user data is used to personalise adverts based on their behaviour or interests, the required disclosures, consents and control options will be applied in accordance with the relevant laws and platform requirements.

25. Data Protection

Match Me employs reasonable technical and organisational measures designed to protect data, which may include, depending on the nature of the system:

• encryption of communications.
• Access controls.
• Authentication systems.
• Security logs.
• Monitoring of suspicious activity.
• Backups.
• System updates.
• Restricting staff access to data on a need-to-know basis.

However, the security of any electronic system cannot be guaranteed 100 per cent.

26. Passwords and verification codes

The user is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of:

• their password.
• OTP verification code.
• Login details.

You must not send the verification code to anyone who claims to need it.

You must notify Match Me if you suspect your account has been compromised.

27. Data retention period

Data is not retained indefinitely without reason.

The retention period is determined based on factors such as:

• the duration of the account’s existence.
• The purpose of processing the data.
• Legal requirements.
• Financial and accounting obligations.
• Fraud prevention.
• Disputes and complaints.
• Protection of the company’s and users’ rights.

Once the legitimate need has ceased, the data is deleted, anonymised or handled in the manner required by law.

28. Deleting an account

Users may request the deletion of their Match Me account via the method provided by the app or by contacting the company through the approved channels.

Deleting the account may result in the loss of access to:

• their profile.
• The history of certain services.
• Prizes available subject to their terms and conditions.
• Account-related features.

29. Data that may remain after account deletion

We may retain certain data after an account has been deleted where this is necessary or permitted by law, including:

• Financial records.
• Transaction records.
• Anti-fraud data.
• Dispute records.
• Evidence relating to legal claims.
• Data requested by official bodies.

Retention is limited to the period necessary for the legitimate purpose.

30. User rights

Depending on the applicable law, you may have rights in relation to your data, such as:

• knowing how their data is used.
• Requesting access to it.
• Correct any inaccurate information.
• Update data.
• Request deletion where permitted by law.
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on it.
• Object to or request the restriction of specific processing where the law so provides.

We may ask to verify the identity of the person making the request before acting on it, to protect the account from unauthorised access.

31. International data transfers

Match Me may use service providers whose servers or operations are located outside Kuwait.

When transferring data internationally, the company takes the measures and safeguards required under applicable data protection laws.

32. Privacy of Minors

The minimum age required to use Match Me is determined in accordance with the nature of the services and applicable law.

Where certain services are available to minors, parental consent or additional safeguards may be required.

Should an account be discovered to have been created in breach of the age requirements, the Company may suspend or delete the account and take appropriate action regarding its data.

33. Photography and Events

Some tournaments or events organised or supported by Match Me may be filmed for the following purposes:

• media coverage.
• The website.
• Social media.
• Marketing.
• Event documentation.

Photography and the rights of individuals appearing in the content will be handled in accordance with the relevant notices, consents and applicable laws.

34. Cookies

The Match Me website may use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

• Operating the website.
• Logging in.
• Save settings.
• Security.
• Analytics.
• Performance measurement.
• Marketing, where permitted.

Where necessary, separate settings or a separate notice regarding cookies are provided.

35. Third-party services

Match Me may integrate with external services such as:

• Maps.
• Payment.
• Log in.
• Notifications.
• Analytics.
• App stores.

These parties may process certain data in accordance with their own privacy policies when acting in their capacity as independent entities.

36. Legal Disclosure

User data may be disclosed if necessary:

• to comply with a legal obligation.
• to comply with a court order.
• To comply with a binding request from a competent authority.
• To protect legal rights.
• To investigate fraud or a criminal offence.
• To protect the safety of users where permitted by law.

37. Merger or sale of Match Me

If Match Me is involved in:

• acquisition.
• merger.
• Restructuring.
• Sale of assets.
• Transfer of project ownership.

Data may form part of the assets transferred to the legal successor or the acquiring party, in accordance with the law and the safeguards required to protect users.

38. Updates to the Privacy Policy

This policy may be updated from time to time.

This may occur as a result of:

• developments to the app.
• the addition of new sports.
• Add services.
• Change technologies.
• Changing service providers.
• Legal and regulatory changes.

In the event of material changes, the user will be notified in an appropriate manner where required.

39. Updated version

The ‘Last updated’ date will appear at the top of the Privacy Policy.

Users are advised to review the policy from time to time to be aware of any changes.

40. Language

The Privacy Policy may be available in both Arabic and English.

In the event of any discrepancy in translation or interpretation, the Arabic version shall prevail unless otherwise required by law.

41. Contact Regarding Privacy

For any questions or requests regarding privacy or personal data, please contact Match Me through our contact page.

The Company may request verification of the enquirer’s identity before disclosing any account-related information.

42. Complaints

If a user has a complaint regarding the way Match Me handles their data, they may first contact the company using the contact details provided above.

This does not prevent the user from contacting any competent authority or exercising any legal rights available to them.

43. Acknowledgement of Receipt

Upon creating an account, this policy must be made clearly available to the user and linked to the Terms and Conditions of Use.

Consent to this Privacy Policy does not constitute a substitute for any separate consent required by law for a specific processing operation.

44. Separate Consents

Where the law or the design of the service requires separate consent, Match Me may request such consent independently; examples of this, depending on the circumstances, include:

• Geographical location.
• Camera and photos.
• Notifications.
• Marketing communications.
• Certain types of personalised advertising.
• Any other data or uses that require specific consent.

Users can control some of these permissions via their device or app settings.

45. Principle of data minimisation

Match Me undertakes, to the extent that is reasonable and required by law, not to collect more data than is necessary to fulfil the specified purposes.

The need for data is also reviewed when developing new features.

46. Responsibility for Data Accuracy

Users are responsible for providing accurate and up-to-date information.

Incorrect data may affect:

• Account recovery options.
• Player matching.
• Prizes.
• Verification processes.
• Payments.
• Other app services.

47. Anonymised and aggregated data

The Company may create and use statistics, aggregated data or anonymised data that do not reasonably identify a user, for purposes such as:

• analysing app usage.
• Measuring the growth of the sport.
• Product development.
• Business reporting.
• User experience optimisation.
• Planning and marketing.

Data that can be linked back to a user is treated as personal data until it has been suitably anonymised.

48. Our commitment

Match Me aims to build a sports platform that respects the privacy of its users, and uses data to provide, develop and protect the service, whilst applying appropriate controls and transparency regarding how information is handled.