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FIFA files criminal complaint against ticketing site Viagogo

On Tuesday, Viagogo was still selling tickets of more than 50 matches, including all three of England’s group-stage games.

FIFA files criminal complaint against ticketing site Viagogo

There will be no shortage of drama in Russia (Photo: AFP)

FIFA has filed a criminal complaint in Switzerland against ticket website Viagogo as a part of a crackdown on unauthorised World Cup sales, less than a fortnight before the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off.

“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, a statement on the FIFA website read.

Prices on the Viagogo website are higher than those on the official FIFA website, but many desperate football fans may shell out a premium to see those ‘sold-out’ ties.

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“FIFA reminds all fans that FIFA.com/tickets is the only official and legitimate website on which to buy 2018 FIFA World Cup tickets.”

On Tuesday, Viagogo was still selling tickets of more than 50 matches, including all three of England’s group-stage games.

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The site added that “prices are set by sellers and may be below or above face value”.

In 2016, UEFA had launched also launched a complaint against Viagogo over illegal ticket sales at Euro 2016, prompting a raid by French police on a hotel where the company’s agents were handing out tickets.

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