New legislation designed to protect football supporters from ticket touts has been approved by the Scottish Parliament ahead of Euro 2028 matches being hosted in Scotland.
The UEFA European Championship Scotland Bill has been passed, setting out measures to ensure tickets for Euro 2028 are sold fairly, affordably, and without exploitation.
At the heart of the legislation is a commitment to putting fans first by preventing tickets being sold above face value or for profit in Scotland.
The Bill supports a wider package of arrangements agreed with UEFA to make access to tickets as fair and transparent as possible.
UEFA has confirmed that more than 40 per cent of tickets for the tournament will be sold in the lowest price categories.
There will be no surge pricing or dynamic pricing models applied to ticket sales.
Tickets will instead be allocated through a ballot system, removing online queues and reducing pressure on supporters.
An official UEFA resale platform will also be introduced, allowing fans to resell tickets only at face value.
Resale outside the authorised platform will not be permitted, a move aimed squarely at clamping down on ticket touting.
The Bill also includes protections for commercial rights around match venues.
It will prevent unauthorised street trading and advertising within designated event zones.
Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council will be given enforcement powers to apply the rules fairly and proportionately.
Scottish Government Minister for Business Richard Lochhead said the legislation was part of preparing Scotland to host a series of major global sporting events.
“Scotland is the perfect stage to host three of the world’s top sporting events over the next three years, the Commonwealth Games 2026, the Tour de France Grand Depart 2027 and the UEFA Euro 2028.
“These events will bring real and lasting benefits, from supporting jobs and local businesses to showcasing Scotland to millions of people around the world.
“This Bill puts fans first, with strong protections against ticket touting and measures to tackle ambush marketing, so supporters can enjoy this once in a generation event on equal terms.”
Supporters’ groups have also welcomed the move.
Executive Director of Supporters Direct Scotland Alan Russell said the Bill sent a clear message about who football is for.
“As supporters of our national game, and football in general, we welcome this Bill which we hope will keep tickets affordable and accessible to all.
“By banning the unauthorised sale of tickets for more than face value, UEFA have sent a clear signal that football is for the fans, and that profiteering by ticket touts is not welcome here.”
Russell said supporters were now looking ahead to the tournament itself.
“We’re looking forward to another fantastic tournament, with Hampden packed to the rafters with real fans, and can’t wait to follow Scotland all the way to the final.”
