British competition watchdog raises ‘serious concerns’ over Viagogo order
Britain’s competition watchdog has said today it has “serious concerns” that Viagogo has not complied with a court order that forced the controversial ticket reseller to “overhaul” the way it does business.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) added that it “expects them to make any necessary changes without delay”, with Viagogo ordered to make immediate website changes or go back to court.
Having conducted urgent checks, the CMA has serious concerns that viagogo has not complied with important aspects of the court order we secured against them. pic.twitter.com/ibzhIc3xvX
— Competition & Markets Authority (@CMAgovUK) January 24, 2019
In a statement the CMA has said that "severe penalties" are available if Viagogo is found to be in contempt of court.
The @CMAgovUK has expressed serious concerns to Viagogo about its compliance with a court order designed to protect consumers. Failure to comply could put Viagogo in contempt of court, meaning fines or even imprisonment of directors.
— Rob Davies (@ByRobDavies) January 24, 2019
The statement comes after a landmark legal victory for the CMA in November, when it won a court order that forced Viagogo to tell buyers which seat they will get and if there is a risk that they will be turned away at the door.
Read more: Viagogo forced to overhaul ticket-selling practice by competition watchdog
"We are compliant," replied Viagogo today.
Such a victory for the CMA came several months after it launched legal action against the company over worries that Viagogo was breaking consumer protection law.
The global ticketing provider has faced pressure over its secondary ticket market, such as reports in January 2017 that tickets for London’s popular musical Hamilton were listed on the firm’s site for almost £3000 just two hours after going on sale, despite measures to prevent touting.