21:01h CEST

Fifa has filed a criminal complaint in Switzerland against ticket reseller Viagogo following ‘numerous complaints’ from fans worldwide, the football governing body stated on Tuesday

The Zurich-based association claimed that it wanted to protect fans and prevent unauthorized ticket resales at the World Cup in Russia.

‘Over the past months, FIFA has received numerous complaints from individuals, consumer protection bodies and other market players over the opaque and deceptive business conduct of viagogo AG,’ Fifa stated.

‘FIFA’s ultimate objective in the fight against the secondary ticket market is to prioritise the safety and security of fans and enforce a fair 2018 FIFA World Cup ticketing pricing scheme.’

Fifa the only official and legitimate World Cup ticket seller

The football governing body reminded all football fans that the Fifa website is the only official and legitimate place to buy World Cup tickets.

‘FIFA reminds all fans that FIFA.com/tickets is the only official and legitimate website on which to buy 2018 FIFA World Cup tickets.’

Fifa added that anyone who holds a ticket that can be traced to an unauthorized resale site may be refused entry to World Cup matches.

All tickets purchased from Viagogo will be cancelled as soon as they are identified.

‘Tickets purchased via unauthorised distribution channels, including all tickets purchased through viagogo AG, will be cancelled once identified. FIFA reserves the right to refuse entry to the stadium to any holder of such tickets. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, FIFA and local authorities will conduct strict admission checks.’