Chelsea fans have taken their concerns to the Premier League regarding club chairman and co-owner Todd Boehly’s involvement with Vivid Seats, a US-based ticketing platform.
Supporters claim that Boehly’s role as a director and investor in the company represents a “breach of trust” and a “clear conflict of interest.”
Vivid Seats, a platform that facilitates the buying and selling of tickets for live events including Chelsea matches has been officially listed as an “unauthorised ticket website” by the Premier League.
Under UK law, supporters based in the country are prohibited from purchasing tickets through the platform. However, international buyers can access Chelsea tickets via Vivid Seats, often at highly inflated prices.
Chelsea Fans Outraged Over Ticket Resales
Chelsea fans have raised concerns that Boehly’s connection to Vivid Seats undermines fair ticketing practices and escalates issues surrounding ticket touting. The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST), a prominent fan organization, has taken the lead in voicing these grievances.
In a letter addressed to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters, the CST stated that it had received numerous complaints from its members regarding Boehly’s ties to Vivid Seats. A CST spokesperson emphasized:
“Vivid Seats continues to list Premier League tickets at significantly inflated rates. Our members believe that Mr. Boehly’s connection to the platform is a breach of trust and a clear conflict of interest.”
“Not only does this undermine the efforts of Chelsea FC, the Premier League, and the Metropolitan Police to combat ticket touting, but Vivid Seats directly contravenes Chelsea FC’s ticketing policies.
The Premier League must act swiftly to ensure that a major stakeholder in a Premier League club ceases to facilitate the resale of tickets at excessive prices.”
Soaring Ticket Prices on Vivid Seats
Vivid Seats has been criticized for enabling ticket resales at prices well above face value. For Chelsea fans, securing match tickets through official channels has become increasingly difficult, while overseas buyers have access to them via platforms like Vivid Seats albeit at steep markups.
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For example, ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming London derby against Tottenham, the lowest-priced ticket on Vivid Seats was £144, while premium hospitality seats were listed for over £2,000.
The CST argues that such pricing practices push genuine supporters out of the stadium and contribute to the growing number of tourist spectators, which some fans believe dilutes the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge.
Premier League’s Stance on Ticket Touting
The Premier League, alongside clubs, law enforcement, and fan groups, has made significant efforts in recent years to curb ticket touting. By listing Vivid Seats as an unauthorized resale platform, the Premier League has sent a clear message about its stance on the issue.
A spokesperson for the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) voiced strong support for the CST’s demands:
“The FSA fully backs the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust in its calls for Premier League action. Clubs, supporters’ groups, the police, and the league itself have worked hard to combat ticket touting. There is no excuse for a club owner to be involved in such activity.”
Wider Fan Unrest Over Club Ownership
Concerns over Boehly’s association with Vivid Seats surfaced during a broader protest against Chelsea’s ownership outside Stamford Bridge last month. Fans gathered before Chelsea’s 4-0 victory over Southampton to express their discontent with the club’s current management and ticketing issues.
This latest controversy adds to the growing frustration among Chelsea supporters, who have already voiced concerns about high ticket prices, changing club traditions, and the commercialization of the fan experience.
Potential Consequences for Boehly and Chelsea FC
With mounting pressure from fan groups and the FSA, the Premier League may soon be compelled to investigate Boehly’s involvement with Vivid Seats. If a direct conflict of interest is determined, Boehly may face calls to sever ties with the ticketing company to comply with league policies.
Additionally, Chelsea FC could be urged to strengthen its ticketing enforcement measures to prevent unauthorized resale activity linked to its owners or affiliated businesses.
What’s Next for Chelsea Fans and the Premier League?
The CST’s letter to the Premier League signals a major escalation in the battle against ticket touting and highly inflated resale prices. Fans expect the league to take concrete steps in response, ensuring that club ownership remains aligned with the best interests of supporters.
As Chelsea continues its campaign in the Premier League and European competitions, the outcome of this dispute could have long-term implications for ticketing policies, fan engagement, and the ethical responsibilities of club owners.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Todd Boehly’s involvement with Vivid Seats underscores the ongoing struggle between commercial interests and fan rights. With Chelsea supporters demanding action, the Premier League now faces a critical decision: Will it take a firm stance against ticket touting, even when it involves club owners?
For now, Chelsea fans continue to wait for a response hoping for a resolution that prioritizes fairness, accessibility, and the integrity of the game.
