Leading figures across Europe’s live events sector have reaffirmed their stance that promoter-authorised resale is the only way to guarantee a genuine ticket and tackle rampant ticket fraud.
Attendees from seven countries gathered for FEAT’s AGM in Barcelona on Friday. The alliance advocates for a ticket-resale model authorised by the event organiser that issues a unique barcode to the new acquirer, to protect fans from scams and being denied entry. No unauthorised operator can market tickets.
Members highlighted that an event ticket is not a commodity to buy and sell freely, but the proof of a legally binding contract entered into between the promoter and the person who wishes to attend the show, as recognised across EU and national laws. Unauthorised ‘resale’ operators act unlawfully the moment they bypass promoter terms to resell tickets and mislead consumers. Any incoming EU legislation focused on capping resale misunderstands this.
The alliance pointed to successful examples of promoter-authorised models across the EU, with major European festivals and concerts reducing ticket fraud by directing fan-to-fan resale through official channels, cancelling original tickets and reissuing new ones.
Members emphasised that illegal ‘resale’ operators contribute nothing to production, take no financial risk, and siphon money from Europe’s creative economy. These practices are harmful to artists, promoters and consumers. Consequently, FEAT called for the effective enforcement of existing legislation by the competent national and European authorities, with the necessary goal of shutting down access to illegal ticket operators entirely.
The Barcelona AGM brought together key figures from Germany, Spain, Denmark, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and the UK, including representatives from All Things Live, Barcelona Serveis Municipals, Corida, Doctor Music, FC Barcelona, Gadget Entertainment Group, Get In, Greenhouse Talent, KKT and MCT Agentur.
Founding directors Neo Sala (CEO, Doctor Music) and Scumeck Sabottka (CEO, MCT Agentur) said: “An event ticket is not a commodity, and we will work with relevant authorities to enforce existing domestic and European laws to cut off access and shut down unlawful ticket ‘resale’ operators. Promoter-authorised resale is the only way to guarantee a ticket is genuine. We aim to protect consumers, preserve the live event sector and ensure ticket revenues stay within the European economy.”