ตลาดมืดตั๋วพรีเมียร์ลีกเผยโฉม: การสืบสวนพบการขายตั๋วเกินราคา ทำให้แฟนบอลเสียค่าใช้จ่ายสูงกว่าปกติ ความปลอดภัยและความถูกต้องของตั๋วเป็นสิ่งที่ถูกกังวล หน่วยงานที่เกี่ยวข้องจึงเตรียมมาตรการจัดการอย่างเข้มงวดเพื่อปกป้องผู้บริโภคและความยุติธรรมในวงการกีฬา

    A BBC investigation has revealed a significant black market for Premier League tickets, uncovering companies from overseas, including one based in a small Swiss town, exploiting memberships and software to acquire and sell tickets through clubs' online platforms. Reselling football tickets is illegal in the UK, and yet the investigation found it easy to purchase tickets for four Premier League games via unauthorized websites. These tickets often cost multiple times their original value, sometimes reaching exorbitant prices.

    The practice has been called "endemic" in English football, affecting fans who struggle to obtain tickets from official sources. The black market is not only driving up prices but also threatening the strict safety rules set by clubs, as it can lead to rival fans clashing in stadiums.

    Clubs have responded by aggressively canceling memberships and tickets obtained through questionable methods. Arsenal, for instance, canceled nearly 74,000 accounts, while Everton partnered with local police to combat touts. Despite these efforts, the resale market persists, with unauthorized sellers exploiting overseas registrations to operate beyond UK jurisdiction.

    The investigation also highlights the roles of websites that account for nearly 33,000 ticket listings, bringing attention to high-profile clubs such as Arsenal and Chelsea, which find themselves at the mercy of ticket touts using bots and fake identities to secure and resell tickets en masse. This has made it incredibly difficult for genuine fans to attend matches, with many being overcharged and sometimes even denied entry after purchasing invalid tickets.

    Furthermore, the scale of the black market is raising safety concerns, as fans from opposing teams can end up in the wrong sections due to secondary market purchases. The Football Supporters' Association and other stakeholders are calling for stronger actions, urging the Premier League and government to tackle the issue more effectively.

    The investigation underscores the widespread frustration among fans and the intricate challenges clubs face in combating ticket touting. Despite some preventive measures, the problem persists, leaving fans, particularly those who are less tech-savvy or unaware of the risks, vulnerable to being scammed.

    Ultimately, the investigation serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in modern football ticketing and the need for a concerted effort from all stakeholders to ensure that attending a Premier League match remains an accessible and fair experience for all fans.