A global online ticketing service Viagogo has been issued a criminal complaint by world football governing body FIFA for sales of World Cup tickets without obtaining the body’s consent.
In a statement, FIFA said, “As part of its efforts to protect the fans and prevent unauthorised ticket resales for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, FIFA filed a criminal complaint on 4 June 2018 based on a breach of the law on unfair competition against Viagogo AG with the public prosecutor’s office in Geneva.
“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.”
FIFA added that all football fans should be notified that its website is the only official and legitimate place to buy World Cup tickets.
“FIFA reminds all fans that FIFA.com/tickets is the only official and legitimate website on which to buy 2018 FIFA World Cup tickets. Tickets purchased via unauthorised distribution channels, including all tickets purchased through viagogo AG, will be cancelled once identified,” the statement further read.