Premier League seeks clarification on Chelsea’s ticket resale policy amid controversy over Todd Boehly’s involvement with Vivid Seats.
The Premier League has written to Chelsea to seek clarification over the club’s position on ticket resale, amid controversy surrounding Todd Boehly’s involvement with Vivid Seats.
Boehly is both a director and investor in Vivid, which the league describes as an “unauthorised ticket seller.” He also owns a 13% stake in Chelsea, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest.
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust has been vocal about the issue, asking the Premier League to “act and investigate” the situation. The trust believes that Boehly’s involvement with Vivid is both a “breach of trust” and a “clear conflict of interest.” The trust has also submitted evidence against Vivid to the government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Vivid Seats lists Chelsea matches on its platform, with some tickets for Stamford Bridge going for as much as £20,000 last season. While the website is not allowed to operate in the UK, it is permissible overseas. Vivid CEO Stanley Chia has attributed the company’s 61% share price drop this year to “economic and political volatility” impacting the ticketing market.
Chelsea has recently pledged to take action on ticket touting, although without specifically naming Vivid or other ticket resellers.
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said it was “encouraged” by the club’s commitment to addressing the issue. The controversy comes as Chelsea is participating in the Club World Cup in the United States, with their next match against ES Tunis scheduled for Tuesday night in Philadelphia.
The issue of ticket resale has also raised concerns about the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge, with previous manager Mauricio Pochettino and current head coach Enzo Maresca commenting on the “flat” atmosphere at times last season.
Chelsea is currently trying to address these concerns, including trials of a singing section in the Conference League. The situation with Vivid and ticket resale remains ongoing, with the Premier League continuing to discuss the matter with Chelsea.
