Sir Keir Starmer should grant ticket tout site Viagogo’s wish and send it to oblivion

Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to take action against the controversial ticket resale website Viagogo, as the Daily Record exposes yet another round of scam ticket sales on the platform. This US-based company has shown blatant disregard for UK laws, blatantly allowing ticket touts to exploit fans by reselling tickets at exorbitant prices. The Daily Record’s investigations over the years have revealed how Viagogo’s practices harm genuine fans by driving up ticket prices for events that are not even sold out.

In the latest revelation, sellers on Viagogo are offering thousands of tickets for events at inflated prices, leaving unsuspecting fans to fall into the trap of paying more than face value. Despite efforts to regulate ticket touting with updates to the Consumer Rights Act, Viagogo continues to flout the law with impunity. Prior to Labour’s election victory, Prime Minister Keir Starmer had pledged to introduce a 10% cap on ticket sales, aligning with the Daily Record’s Stub Out The Touts campaign to tackle scalping.

Viagogo’s defiance of regulations suggests a complete disregard for consumer rights and fair ticketing practices. The repeated exploitation of fans underscores the urgent need for decisive action against rogue ticket resellers. Sir Keir Starmer faces mounting calls to address the issue and protect consumers from falling victim to ticket touting schemes.

Furthermore, the spotlight is on the plight of young football players who are often bound to clubs against their will due to restrictive registration rules. The practice leaves young talents feeling “held hostage” by clubs, hindering their freedom to pursue opportunities for personal and professional growth. Calls for the SFA and SPFL to review their policies and create more flexibility for young players to switch clubs reflect a growing concern for the welfare and development of aspiring football stars. The focus is on ensuring that young players have the autonomy to make choices that support their athletic journey and overall well-being.

In conclusion, Sir Keir Starmer’s intervention in the Viagogo saga is crucial to safeguarding consumer interests and upholding transparency in ticket sales. Additionally, efforts to reform youth player registration rules in football are essential to nurturing talent and promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment for young athletes. The need for accountability and reform in both sectors underscores the importance of advocating for fair practices and protecting the rights of consumers and aspiring sports stars alike.