CMA raises further concerns about StubHub
The Competition and Markets Authority identified issues with information provided about some tickets for sale via StubHub's UK website on Wednesday, stating it was now concerned that the reseller was not complying with commitments it made to clean up its site following a consumer law investigation.
The watchdog said it was concerned that StubHub was failing to adequately warn people that tickets may not get them into an event and ensure that clients know exactly where they will sit in a venue and take sufficient steps to ensure that the full addresses of business sellers were displayed,
The CMA also felt StubHub was using misleading messages about ticket availability and targeting UK consumers with tickets for events listed on overseas versions of their websites, which may not comply with UK law.
StubHub had previously told the CMA that it would make changes to its website and the CMA now expects these updates to be made swiftly. If the changes do not go far enough to address its concerns, the CMA will consider taking action against the company through the courts.
CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli said: "We have demanded swift action to resolve these problems and are pleased that StubHub has said it will make changes in response. We will closely monitor the firm's efforts and, if it does not quickly implement changes that satisfy us, we will take further action - potentially through the courts.
"As we continue to examine these consumer cases, it is now imperative that the CMA is given stronger powers to rule on whether a company has broken the law and impose fines if needed. We will continue to work with the Government on the most effective way to achieve this."
The CMA said it was also continuing to monitor resale site Viagogo and said a separate investigation was being launched into the company's anticipated purchase of StubHub.