The Premier League has contacted Chelsea to request clarification over the club’s relationship with ticket resale platforms, amid growing scrutiny surrounding co-owner Todd Boehly’s involvement with Vivid Seats.
Boehly, who holds a 13% stake in Chelsea, is both a director and investor in Vivid Seats—an online marketplace classified by the Premier League as an “unauthorised ticket seller.” The platform has listed Chelsea matches for resale, with some tickets at Stamford Bridge last season reaching prices of up to £20,000. While Vivid Seats operates legally overseas, it is not permitted to conduct business in the UK.
In March, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST) issued an open letter urging the Premier League to investigate what it described as a “clear conflict of interest” and a “breach of trust.” The Trust has also submitted evidence to the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
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Premier League CEO Richard Masters confirmed last week, during a Football Supporters’ Association event, that discussions with Chelsea are ongoing regarding the matter.
Vivid Seats CEO Stanley Chia recently acknowledged the impact of “economic and political volatility” on the ticketing industry, following a 61% drop in the company’s share price this year.
While Chelsea have publicly pledged to crack down on ticket touting, they have not directly named Vivid or any specific resale platforms—a move that CST said it was “encouraged” by, though it continues to push for greater transparency.
Concerns over a lack of atmosphere at Stamford Bridge have also resurfaced, raised previously by former manager Mauricio Pochettino and echoed by current head coach Enzo Maresca. The club has trialed a singing section during European fixtures in an attempt to boost crowd engagement.
Chelsea are currently in the U.S. competing in the FIFA Club World Cup and will face ES Tunis in Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
