By Bilal Khan 
Liverpool FC has collaborated with Merseyside Police to intensify efforts against ticket touting. This partnership has led to the detention of over £1.2 million in assets linked to organised ticket touts, with several cases still active under Proceeds of Crime legislation. The police operation specifically targets the laundering of criminal proceeds from illicit ticket sales, complementing the club’s ongoing initiatives to protect fans from exploitation.
During the recent season, Liverpool FC conducted an analysis of nearly 700,000 ticket registrations. This review identified approximately 67,663 suspected fake accounts, which were subsequently blocked or cancelled. Additionally, a further 121,379 accounts are currently under investigation. The club also issued 432 lifetime bans and 115 indefinite suspensions during the 25/26 season. These sanctions were largely due to the unauthorised selling of season tickets, membership tickets, or hospitality tickets, violating the club’s terms and conditions.
Increased Scrutiny and Enforcement
The club’s increased investigatory resources on matchdays resulted in a 33% rise in the identification and seizure of burner phones by Merseyside Police, or denial of entry to Anfield. Burner phones are often used to hold tickets before being distributed to customers. There was also a significant increase in targeted stops on matchdays, preventing access for accounts with suspicious activity. These stops surged from 381 in the 24/25 season to 3,608 last year, marking an 847% increase. An average of 300 stops occurred per home game at Anfield, with additional checks at away games in both the Premier League and European competitions.
Furthermore, 3,847 tickets were cancelled due to suspicious purchase activity throughout the 25/26 season. These tickets were then re-released as general admission tickets, increasing availability for genuine supporters. The club’s research indicates that over nine out of ten tickets listed on unofficial sites are either non-existent or have been sold multiple times.
Addressing Behavioural Issues and Fan Guidance
Beyond ticket touting, 28 cases were highlighted through the club’s Red Together initiative, which focuses on equality, diversity, and inclusion. These cases involved behavioural issues at Anfield and resulted in actions ranging from lifetime bans to indefinite suspensions. Specific incidents included three for racist and homophobic abuse, 13 for inappropriate touching or language, four for assault, and one for tragedy chanting.
Liverpool FC recently announced several ticketing changes for the upcoming season following a comprehensive review. The club plans to continue its robust actions with increased resources to target those involved in touting activities. The official sanctions process involves club officials and a member from an independent supporter association who hear cases and determine appropriate actions, including potential lifetime bans or indefinite suspensions. Supporters found in possession of tickets not forwarded according to club terms or present at Anfield without a valid ticket will be ejected by stewards or police. The only authorised method to share a General Admission ticket is via the club’s Ticket Forwarding service.
Fans are strongly advised against purchasing tickets from unofficial online channels or sellers due to the high risk of fraud. The club reiterates that official Anfield tickets should only be bought from its official match break partners and their listed sub-agents, which provide genuine hospitality tickets as part of match break packages including travel and/or hotel accommodation. Supporters can report unofficial ticket sales or fraudulent tickets to Liverpool FC or anonymously to Crimestoppers.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Suffield from Merseyside Police’s Economic Crime Team emphasised the importance of this partnership for the benefit of fans and the public, stating that actions will continue to target touts operating both online and on matchdays.
The club has issued 432 lifetime bans, with 383 to All Red Members, 41 to Season Ticket Holders, and eight to Seasonal Hospitality Members.
Read Also
Source: theguideliverpool.com
