The UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has said that it could pursue ‘rapid action through the courts’ against Viagogo if it has failed to implement reforms.
The secondary ticketing site was required to make substantial changes to its business practices by midnight on January 17 following a High Court order served in November 2018.
Viagogo took to Twitter at 8am yesterday (January 17) to say that it has ‘met the deadline and [is] now compliant.’
FanFair Alliance has rejected the company’s claim however, stating in a release issued today that, ‘while other secondary sites investigated by the CMA have made changes within deadline, Viagogo appears to have made only minor amendments to its website’.
Further to the agreement we reached with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) we have met the deadline and are now compliant. All tickets on viagogo are valid and it is perfectly legal to resell a ticket or give it to someone else if you want to.
The CMA has also responded to the tweet today, also via Twitter, writing that it is now doing its own checks of Viagogo following last night’s deadline.
Added the CMA: “If we find evidence that the court order has been breached, we will not hesitate to take action.
“This could include pursuing rapid action through the courts. We will also be checking other sites.
“A wide-ranging, independent review of Viagogo will also be conducted to make sure all the changes required have been made.”
The CMA took legal action against Viagogo over concerns that it was breaking consumer protection law.
“FanFair Alliance urges all music fans to avoid Viagogo. It’s practices are an affront to audiences, to artists and to the law. We feel the CMA must now step up and take urgent action.”
Adam Webb, FanFair Alliance
Adam Webb, Campaign Manager, FanFair Alliance: “As of this morning, Viagogo was under strict instruction to overhaul its business practices.
“Based on our findings today, they have failed to do this. Although a few minor changes have been implemented, some of which may add even more confusion for consumers, we would be astonished if the site is compliant with the terms of its court order.
“FanFair Alliance urges all music fans to avoid Viagogo. It’s practices are an affront to audiences, to artists and to the law. We feel the CMA must now step up and take urgent action.”
“I’m disappointed, but not surprised, to find this morning that Viagogo has not made any drastic changes to its unscrupulous practices that rip off fans.”
Sharon Hodgson MP
Sharon Hodgson MP, Member of Parliament for Washington & Sunderland West, and Chair of the APPG on Ticket Abuse, added: “I’m disappointed, but not surprised, to find this morning that Viagogo has not made any drastic changes to its unscrupulous practices that rip off fans.
“This is after a long-running and costly enforcement investigation, and after the CMA secured a court order demanding a substantial overhaul of its business.
“For years Viagogo have acted in blatant disregard of consumer protection legislation. Surely they’ve now run out of road? It is time that the CMA take serious and urgent action, so that even more genuine fans don’t become victims of this company.”Music Business Worldwide
