Liverpool FC's unyielding stance against ticket touting has yielded unprecedented results, with 432 lifetime bans issued following a joint investigation with Merseyside Police. The operation, marking the first of its kind between a Premier League club and their local police authority, has also seen over £1.2 million in assets seized – a significant blow to those engaging in illicit ticket sales and money laundering.
The collaborative effort involved Liverpool's internal team working alongside Merseyside Police's economic crime unit to scrutinise nearly 700,000 ticket registrations from last season. As a result, two individuals have been convicted under the Proceeds of Crime Act, with another case set for trial next month. The seized assets will be divided between Merseyside Police and the Home Office.
In addition to lifetime bans, Liverpool FC implemented 115 indefinite suspensions, requiring account holders to wait an average three years before applying for reinstatement. The club reported blocking or cancelling 67,663 suspected fake accounts last season, with a further 121,379 accounts remaining under investigation. Most of these bans were imposed for unauthorised resale of season tickets, membership tickets, or hospitality packages.
The crackdown extended beyond touting, with lifetime bans and suspensions also issued for serious offences including racist and homophobic abuse, assault, and tragedy chanting. On match days last season, the club and police conducted investigations outside Anfield, resulting in a 33% increase in 'burner' phone identification or seizure – often used by touts.
Merseyside Police's Detective Chief Inspector Nick Suffield reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding genuine fans, stating that efforts to target online and match day touts will continue with close collaboration between supporters and clubs. DCI Suffield warned football fans against purchasing tickets from touts, highlighting the financial risks and potential for denied entry without a refund.