A German court has ordered FIFA to change its ticket sales rules
The Frankfurt am Main Regional Court issued a preliminary injunction against the operation of FIFA’s official ticket resale platform following a lawsuit filed by the German company Ticombo.
The court ruled that FIFA must disclose the identity and address of commercial sellers to buyers in Germany before they pay for their tickets. The plaintiff claims that the current system allows professional scalpers to sell tickets at inflated prices while posing as ordinary fans.
The lawsuit also cites high commissions on ticket resales and the use of so-called “dark patterns”—interface elements designed to prompt users to make purchases more quickly. These include a timer to complete the order, automatic selection of the most expensive seats, and displaying prices without all additional fees.
The preliminary injunction is currently in effect only in Germany. At the same time, Ticombo has announced its intention to pursue legal action in other countries as well, particularly in Switzerland, where FIFA is headquartered.
In addition, according to media reports, the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey are investigating complaints from fans regarding the sale of World Cup tickets.
Source: Frankfurt am Main Regional Court, Ticombo.
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