FIFA’s ticket resale platform for World Cup matches in Toronto has been affected by a recent price cap implementation. Following the enactment of Ontario’s legislation prohibiting reselling event tickets above face value, FIFA is adjusting its resale system to comply with the law. As a result, listings for Toronto’s World Cup games have been put on hold but are expected to be relisted once the necessary changes are made. While FIFA’s resale marketplace still features listings for games in other host cities, Toronto matches are currently unavailable.
Meanwhile, StubHub, another resale platform, is still offering World Cup tickets for Toronto matches above face value. Despite ongoing discussions with Ontario officials, StubHub has yet to fully adhere to the new legislation due to uncertainties. The company’s spokesperson, Jack Sterne, acknowledged the need for system updates to align with Bill 97, the price cap law, although specific challenges remain undisclosed.
The Ontario government, represented by spokesperson Giulia Paikin, confirmed collaboration with StubHub to ensure compliance with the regulations. Businesses failing to comply may face penalties ranging from $3,000 to $250,000 for continuous non-compliance. The legislation was introduced earlier this year in response to public outrage over exorbitant resale prices for events like the World Series and Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. The government aims to shield fans and consumers from inflated ticket costs driven by professional resellers, while some concerns linger about the potential impact on informal markets and ticket pricing.