Croke Park Ticket Touts Face No Justice as Fans Pay Seven Times the Price
Despite a five year old law meant to stop ticket touting, fans heading to the Manchester United versus Leeds United match at Croke Park are being forced to pay more than seven times the original ticket price. The law, designed to protect ordinary supporters, has not led to a single prosecution since it came into effect in 2021.
This match marks a rare return of soccer to the GAA headquarters, almost 17 years after Ireland's heartbreaking World Cup play off loss to France in 2009. It should be a celebration of sport and community. Instead, it has become a stark example of how the system fails the people.
How Bad Is the Ticket Touting Problem?
Tickets for the sold out fixture, originally priced at €50 for adults and €25 for under 16s, are being advertised on secondary websites for between €100 and nearly €500. One platform listed a Hill 16 ticket for €225. The Irish Independent found 39 overpriced tickets still available on a single site.
Fine Gael TD John Clendennen has raised the issue repeatedly, pointing to similar problems at the Six Nations and the Ryder Cup. He said the pattern is always the same: strong legislation, but no visible enforcement. Ordinary fans who missed out on the official sale are now being asked to pay hundreds of euro to touts, while the law designed to stop this sits unused.
Why Hasn't the Law Been Enforced?
The Sale of Tickets Act 2021 made it an offence to sell tickets for designated events above face value. Convictions can bring fines of up to €100,000 or two years in prison. Yet gardaí have received only a small number of complaints since the law was introduced.
The problem is that many tout websites are hosted outside Ireland, making them difficult to investigate. An Garda Síochána admitted this is a challenge. A spokesperson said investigations into platforms hosted outside the jurisdiction are difficult, and advised consumers to exercise caution when buying online.
Meanwhile, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said it is not responsible for investigating breaches of the legislation. It only offers guidance to consumers. So the law exists, but no one is enforcing it.
What Needs to Change?
TD Clendennen has called on gardaí and the CCPC to act now, not after the final whistle has blown. He said he will continue to work with Enterprise Minister Peter Burke to ensure the authorities have the powers they need. Since the act commenced in 2021, there has not been a single prosecution. That needs to change.
Croke Park has warned supporters to purchase tickets only through official providers. But for many fans, the damage is already done. The match is days away, and the touts are still selling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are tickets for the Man United v Leeds match so expensive on resale sites?
Tickets are being sold on secondary websites for up to seven times their original face value, because the anti touting law has not been enforced and many platforms operate outside Ireland, making prosecution difficult.
Has anyone been prosecuted under the 2021 anti touting law?
No. Despite the law being in place for five years, there have been zero prosecutions. Gardaí have received only a small number of complaints.
What can fans do to avoid being scammed?
Croke Park advises buying tickets only through official providers. Gardaí warn against paying in advance on unregulated online marketplaces, especially those hosted outside Ireland.
Photo: Irish Independent