Premier League Tickets: New Report on Black Market Extortion

An extensive BBC Sport investigation has exposed the growing black market for Premier League tickets, raising serious questions about supporter access, stadium security, and the credibility of club ticketing systems.

Black Market Ticket Access

BBC reporters successfully purchased tickets from unauthorised resale platforms for four matches last weekend, including the sold-out Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium. Despite repeated warnings that such resales are illegal in the UK, the tickets—some bought at up to four times their original value—were valid and granted entry.

Others were less fortunate, with several fans admitting they had spent inflated sums on tickets that turned out to be worthless. The practice leaves many supporters vulnerable, while criminal networks continue to thrive.

Overseas Companies at the Centre

The trade is often run by companies registered abroad, including in Switzerland, exploiting official club membership schemes. Using specialist software, these operators acquire tickets in bulk, which are then sold on to unsuspecting fans.

Some supporters reported receiving tickets through UK-based phone numbers via WhatsApp, often accompanied by explicit instructions not to approach stewards, highlighting the clandestine nature of the operation.

Premier League’s Unauthorised List

The Premier League maintains a published list of more than 50 unauthorised websites, which includes well-known platforms such as StubHub and Vivid Seats. However, enforcement is inconsistent.

The BBC identified nearly 33,000 tickets listed across four different resale sites. Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest alone had 18,000 seats advertised, representing almost one third of the Emirates Stadium’s capacity.

Ticketing expert Reg Walker suggested that many of these were speculative listings, with only 10–25% likely to represent genuine stock.

Skyrocketing Prices

Resale prices frequently exceed market value, ranging from £55 to a staggering £14,962. Even exclusive hospitality experiences, including Arsenal’s Diamond Club and Manchester City’s Tunnel Club, were openly advertised online.

Walker highlighted one disturbing case where a Japanese family was charged £2,200 for tickets with a face value of only £87 each. Such examples underline the scale of profiteering within the secondary ticketing market.

Fan Concerns

The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) has voiced alarm at the investigation’s findings. Chair Tom Greatrex described the revelations as “very concerning,” warning that “long-term supporters are finding it impossible to get tickets because of the way they are made available through secondary agencies.”

For many loyal fans, the combination of inflated prices and restricted access creates a growing sense of exclusion from the live matchday experience.

Clubs Taking Action

The Premier League itself has declined to comment directly, emphasising that clubs hold the primary responsibility for ticketing. Nevertheless, several teams have stepped up enforcement.

Arsenal claim to have cancelled almost 74,000 accounts linked to unauthorised resale activity, while Everton reported joint operations with Merseyside Police to combat illegal trading.

Despite these measures, demand for tickets remains at record levels, fuelling ongoing opportunities for profiteers within the black market.

Integrity at Stake

The investigation sheds light on a shadow industry that undermines the principles of fair access to football. With resale tickets often priced beyond the reach of ordinary fans, stadium inclusivity and supporter trust are being placed under strain.

While clubs are beginning to act, the persistence of the trade suggests enforcement alone will not be enough. Without coordinated measures across the Premier League, the lure of resale profits will likely continue to outweigh deterrents.

For supporters, the message is clear: the risks of unauthorised ticket purchases remain high, not only financially but also in terms of entry security. The battle against black market ticketing is far from over, and the credibility of the Premier League’s ticketing system depends on urgent, decisive action.