FIFA files criminal complaint against Viagogo over World Cup tickets
An aerial view of the World Cup Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, which will hold the 2018 World Cup final on July 15
Keystone
World football’s governing body, FIFA, has filed a criminal complaint against the Swiss online ticket resale platform Viagogo after receiving “numerous complaints” over its “opaque and deceptive” practices.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Reuters/sb
Zurich-based FIFA said in a statementExternal link on Tuesday that it had acted to protect the fans and prevent unauthorised ticket resales for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, which begins on June 14.
“Over the past months, FIFA has received numerous complaints from individuals, consumer protection bodies and other market players over the opaque and deceptive business conduct of Viagogo AG,” it said. FIFA has filed the complaint, based on the law on unfair competition, with the public prosecutor’s office in Geneva, where the online platform has its headquarters.
“FIFA’s ultimate objective in the fight against the secondary ticket market is to prioritise the safety and security of fans and enforce a fair 2018 FIFA World Cup ticketing pricing scheme,” it added.
The governing body said its own website was the only official, legitimate place to buy World Cup tickets, which are on sale until July 15, the final day of the tournament.
“FIFA regards the illicit sale and distribution of tickets as a serious issue,” it said.
“Tickets purchased via unauthorised distribution channels, including all tickets purchased through Viagogo AG, will be cancelled once identified. FIFA reserves the right to refuse entry to the stadium to any holder of such tickets.”
Temporary injunction
Viagogo is a global online platform that re-sells tickets for live sport, music and entertainment events. It resells tickets being sold by other consumers who no longer want them or who wish to sell them for a profit.
On Tuesday, tickets for the World Cup were still being sold on the Viagogo site ranging from $89.09 (CHF88) for Iceland vs Croatia on June 26 to $14,000 for a ticket for the final on July 15.
Earlier this year, FIFA successfully filed for a temporary injunction against Viagogo for advertising tickets to the World Cup before they had been allocated or issued.
Viagogo is also currently under investigation by National Trading Standards in Britain after it was found to have failed to make compulsory fees sufficiently clear.
Swiss CFOs much more optimistic despite global uncertainty
This content was published on
The main concerns of business leaders in Switzerland are geopolitical uncertainty and the important trading partners Germany and China.
Record organ donation in Switzerland despite high rejection rates
This content was published on
More organ donations were recorded in Switzerland in 2023 than ever before. This was despite a high rejection rate of 58% by surviving relatives.
This content was published on
Seven years after the death of record-breaking Swiss mountain climber Ueli Steck, his estate is going to the Alpine Museum of Switzerland in Bern.
Swiss justice minister hopes EU reform will reduce irregular migration
This content was published on
The European Union’s (EU) New Pact on Migration and Asylum aims to curb irregular migration within Schengen, Justice Minister Beat Jans said on Tuesday.
Swiss electricity supply outlook positive despite uncertainties
This content was published on
Thanks to well-filled gas stores in Europe and increased availability of French nuclear power, the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission is optimistic.
Finance minister wants Swiss banks to hold more equity
This content was published on
Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter has repeated calls for banks and their holdings in subsidiaries abroad to hold more equity.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
The Swiss World Cup squad – everything you need to know
This content was published on
Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic has opted for continuity in his 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup. But who's the only one to play for a Swiss team?
This content was published on
As the 2018 World Cup draws near, the Swiss sticker collection that presents each player as an individual work of art is back for its sixth edition.
Olympics and World Cup windfall boost Swiss economy
This content was published on
Switzerland’s economy grew robustly in the first quarter as global sporting events helped fill the coffers of the Swiss-based IOC and FIFA.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.