Scottish Government to crack down on illegal ticket touts ahead of co-hosting Euro 2028

The Scottish Government has introduced new legislation in a bid to crack down on ticket touts ahead of co-hosting Euro 2028.

The UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill which has been introduced to Holyrood will allow Scotland to host the tournament alongside the rest of the UK and Ireland.

The tournament will feature 24 national teams with games to be played at Hampden Park in across the summer of 2028.

The Government are looking to implement new measures to tackle ticket touting, including prohibiting the resale of tickets in Scotland for profit online and in person.

Measures will also be introduced to restrict street trading and outdoor advertising within designated event zones in Glasgow.

If passed, the legislation will enable Scottish courts to issue fines up to £20,000, with an unlimited amount possible for the most serious offences.

Around three million tickets will go on sale for the tournament that will be hosted across eight cities including Glasgow, London, Belfast, Cardiff and Dublin.

The Bill will now be considered by Holyrood, which will set a timetable to complete the legislative process by the end of this parliamentary session in March 2026.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Hosting Euro 2028 is an opportunity for Scotland to shine globally and to welcome thousands of fans to our cities, pubs, restaurants, hotels and communities.

“Our reputation for hosting major sporting and cultural events is known the world over. Hosting one of the most prestigious sporting events is an opportunity to truly cement this legacy.

“Our legislation intends to sustain the integrity of this world-class sporting event and enables us to grab the economic opportunities of the Euros by meeting our obligations as a host nation.

“That’s why we want to tackle unscrupulous ticket touts and uphold our duties to UEFA as a privileged host nation.”