TICKETS for week one finals at the MCG and SCG will go back on sale for members of competing clubs on Wednesday at staggered times.

The League moved to assure fans that ticket allocations remained on hold during a Ticketek shutdown.

AFL members and public ticket sales have been delayed until Thursday.

All transaction fees will be waived for remaining ticket purchases at the two MCG matches after a "deeply disappointed" Melbourne Cricket Club negotiated with Ticketek.

Thousands of members were left infuriated on Tuesday morning when the ticket provider was forced to shut off sales after its system failed yet again.

AFL.com.au understands emergency talks had been taking place between the AFL, venues and Ticketek for most of the day.

"This morning Ticketek advised the AFL that the club member ticket onsale had to be put on hold as there was a significant issue with the Ticketek system," the League said in a statement.

"The AFL is extremely disappointed in the experience a large number of our club members were presented with when trying to purchase their tickets today.

"We share in our club members' frustration and are working with the venues (MCG and SCG) and their provider (Ticketek) for a full explanation.

"Additionally, we wish to assure competing club members that the member allocation for these games have been held while we worked through the issue."

MCC CEO Stuart Fox apologised unreservedly to fans, the AFL and the impacted clubs for the frustration and delays.

"Football finals should be an exciting and uplifting time for fans," he said.

"Whilst the issue of demand outstripping supply will always mean some people are left disappointed, inconvenience such as this morning's occurrence is unacceptable.

"We have communicated our frustration in no uncertain terms to Ticketek. We will continue to work with Ticketek and the AFL to ensure the ticketing system works effectively for the remainder of the finals series."

MCC visitor tickets and reserved seats for both MCG matches went on sale at midday today to MCC members and sold out within the hour.

Optus Stadium in Perth has a different ticketing deal (with Ticketmaster) and ticket sales for the West Coast-Collingwood game went smoothly, apart from a printing delay. Fans will be emailed tickets from tomorrow.

Tickets for members of competing clubs originally went on sale at 9am for the three east coast week-one finals.

New ticket sale times

Club members – Wednesday, August 29

11am - Richmond v Hawthorn

1pm - Melbourne v Geelong

3pm - Sydney v GWS Giants

The club member purchase window remains open and exclusive for 24 hours.

AFL members – Thursday, August 30

9am - Richmond v Hawthorn

9am - Melbourne v Geelong

General public – Thursday, August 30

1.30pm - Richmond v Hawthorn

2.30pm - Melbourne v Geelong

4pm - Sydney Swans v GWS Giants

Ticket sales will continue until game time or sold out prior.

Key questions

Q. What if I purchased tickets this morning?

A. They are still valid.

Q. Will I miss out now as a club member?

A. The club member allocation will be held and not released to the general public until after the new club member onsale.