World Cup ticket issues reported by fans on resale platforms
10 reported
Fans have reported problems with World Cup tickets purchased through resale sites, including tickets that never arrived and orders canceled at the last minute. Bina Ramroop bought tickets on StubHub for $485 each for her grandson’s 13th birthday, but could not get them transferred to the FIFA ticketing app. She spent hours going back and forth between StubHub and FIFA representatives, each blaming the other, before accepting a refund. StubHub blamed FIFA’s “poor technology infrastructure” and last-minute transfer restrictions, while FIFA reiterated that sales through its official site are guaranteed. Industry observers say some cases stem from technical glitches, while others may involve speculative sellers who list tickets before acquiring them. StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee promises replacement tickets or a refund at the company’s “sole discretion,” meaning it can choose a refund instead of securing replacement seats.
What’s reported
Bina Ramroop bought World Cup tickets on StubHub for $485 each for her grandson’s 13th birthday.
The tickets could not be transferred from the original seller to the FIFA ticketing app.
StubHub offered a refund, which Ramroop accepted after hours of back-and-forth with both companies.
StubHub blamed FIFA’s “poor technology infrastructure” and last-minute transfer restrictions.
FIFA stated that sales through its official site are guaranteed to go through.
Industry observer Scott Friedman said some sellers list tickets before they have them, betting prices will fall.
StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee offers replacement tickets or a refund at the company’s “sole discretion.”
Patrick O’Neil purchased five tickets through StubHub; two transferred successfully, three did not.
O’Neil’s family used two tickets; he and others watched from a nearby bar.
StubHub later offered O’Neil tickets to another game, which he asked to be donated to a nonprofit.
Key figures
Bina Ramroop – fan who bought tickets on StubHub
Elijah Gomes – Ramroop’s grandson
Scott Friedman – co-founder of Ticket Talk Network
Michael McCann – sports law expert at University of New Hampshire
Pape Ndaw – fan who bought tickets for Netherlands-Japan match
Patrick O’Neil – fan who bought five tickets for Spain-Cape Verde match
Sources: abcnews.com
