The competition watchdog has issued court proceedings against Viagogo over concerns that it is breaking consumer protection law.
The ticket resale website now faces legal action by the Competition and Markets Authority.
Talking about the development, Leigh Thompson, Policy Manager at the Sport and Recreation Alliance, said: “Today’s announcement by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) that it is taking court action against Viagogo is really welcome news for the sport sector as it demonstrates that secondary ticketing platforms won’t be allowed to get away with flouting consumer protection laws. We have long argued that the existing law needs to be enforced properly to protect fans and sport event organisers so it is good to see the CMA showing some teeth and taking firm action.
“Alliance members – many of whom organise some of the country’s largest sport events – want to make sure fans can access tickets at a range of affordable prices and have certainty that the ticket they are buying will grant them access to the venue. Alongside our members we have worked hard to make sure the law makes clear what information should be provided about tickets when they are being resold and to outlaw the use of computer software to harvest tickets which deprives genuine fans of the opportunity to obtain tickets at face value. The CMA’s action is therefore great news as it shows these laws will be enforced firmly and robustly.”
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