A fresh investigation has exposed serious concerns in Manchester City’s ticketing system, after it was revealed that tickets for high-profile fixtures are being resold on the black market, including the recent derby against Manchester United.
The BBC report highlights that companies based overseas are exploiting loopholes in Premier League clubs’ digital ticketing platforms, using memberships and advanced software to obtain tickets before reselling them at inflated prices. Thousands of tickets are believed to be affected across the league, with Manchester City fixtures proving a particularly high-demand target.
Derby Tickets Sold Through Black Market
Despite the Manchester derby selling out weeks in advance, investigators were able to purchase tickets for the City end just days before kick-off. In some cases, seats in exclusive areas such as the Etihad Stadium’s Tunnel Club were also made available through these unauthorised channels.
Even more concerning, one of the purchased tickets reportedly changed automatically in a mobile wallet following the game, reassigning itself as valid for City’s UEFA Champions League tie against Napoli. The discovery has intensified scrutiny over digital ticketing and whether it is inadvertently enabling fraud.
Growing Fan Frustration
City supporters have already voiced frustration over ticket allocation this season, with derbies and Champions League fixtures routinely selling out within hours. Complaints also persist over away fans appearing in home-designated sections of the stadium.
Recent logistical changes at the Etihad, including hospitality adjustments, had already placed the spotlight on the matchday experience. Now, this investigation threatens to further strain relations between the club and its fanbase.
Pressure Mounts on City and the Premier League
The revelations raise pressing questions for Manchester City and the Premier League about how to restore trust in the ticketing process. Measures such as biometric entry, stricter membership vetting, and improved international monitoring are expected to be considered as potential solutions.
For now, fans remain concerned that access to marquee fixtures is being compromised, leaving many excluded from some of the most significant moments of the season. With Pep Guardiola’s side in the midst of a crucial run in both domestic and European competitions, the need for transparency and reform has never been greater.
FAQ
- What was uncovered in the investigation? A BBC report revealed that Manchester City tickets for major fixtures were being sold on the black market by overseas companies exploiting digital ticketing loopholes.
- Which matches were affected? The Manchester derby against United and the Champions League clash with Napoli were specifically highlighted.
- How did tickets change hands? Investigators found that tickets purchased could change automatically in mobile wallets, raising concerns about ticket security.
- What measures could be introduced? Potential solutions include biometric entry, tighter membership screening, and international monitoring of ticketing platforms.
Conclusion
The ticketing controversy surrounding Manchester City has exposed weaknesses in the Premier League’s digital system, leaving supporters frustrated and fuelling calls for reform. As pressure mounts, the response from both the club and the league will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
