Ticket scalping fines jump to $25,000 ahead of World Cup
Ontario cracking down on resale markups as tournament kicks off June 12 in Toronto.
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Ontario is raising the financial penalty for selling World Cup tickets above face value to $25,000 — more than double the previous $10,000 fine — as the tournament begins in a week.
The enhanced enforcement takes effect June 10, two days before Canada's opening match. Anyone caught inflating resale prices will face the steep penalty, part of a provincial push to keep live-game access affordable for families.
Premier Doug Ford told reporters Thursday he has no objection to companies making profit, but draws the line at gouging ordinary citizens who want to bring their kids to a game. "I have no problem with monopolies and gouging the average citizen that can't bring their kids to a game," he said.
Ford also warned FIFA that the province will hold the tournament organizers accountable if they violate Ontario's ticket resale laws. Some fans have reported FIFA itself allowing markups on its resale platform — a fact Ford said won't escape scrutiny. "If they are breaking rules, then they are going to hear from us," he said. "They can dictate the cost of the game. I have no problem with that. If there is a face value on the ticket and they are selling it for a lot more, they are going to hear from us. They are not exempt."