Thousands of British football fans have been left stranded after ticketing platform StubHub cancelled hundreds of World Cup ticket orders, citing vendor non-compliance with tournament regulations. The cancellations, confirmed late on Friday, affect tickets for matches including the semi-finals and final in Qatar, leaving supporters out of pocket and without access to the games.
StubHub, a secondary marketplace owned by Viagogo, issued refunds in most cases, but many fans had already booked flights and accommodation based on the purchases. The company stated that a small number of sellers failed to meet the conditions set by FIFA and the tournament’s ticketing authority. However, no specific details were given on the number of tickets revoked or the identity of the vendors.
British consular officials have been alerted to the situation, with the Foreign Office offering assistance to affected travellers. A spokesperson said: “We are aware of reports regarding ticketing issues. We advise fans to check the validity of their tickets before travelling and to contact their provider for refunds.”
This is not the first time StubHub has faced criticism for ticket resales on a large scale. The company was previously fined by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority for misleading customers over ticket availability and pricing. The latest incident raises fresh questions about the regulation of secondary ticketing markets, particularly for major international sporting events.
Analysts note that FIFA’s stringent anti-scalping measures, which include digital-only tickets and mandatory buyer registration, create friction for unofficial resellers. Yet the allure of inflated prices on secondary markets remains strong, especially in a tournament with limited supply and high demand from Western nations.
The fallout from these cancellations may further strain relations between StubHub and event organisers. It also serves as a cautionary tale for consumers who rely on unofficial channels for high-demand events. For the British fans left without tickets, the prospect of watching the World Cup from afar, after significant financial outlay, is a bitter pill to swallow.
