Eight arrested in Morocco for reselling Africa Cup of Nations tickets | OneFootball

The Moroccan police have arrested eight people in various cities on suspicion of “illegal speculation” in the sale of tickets for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a football tournament being held in the country, local media reported on Tuesday.

According to a police source cited by the Hespress website, “cyber surveillance services” detected social media posts offering tickets for resale “at prices significantly higher than their face value,” in “violation of the law,” which prompted the police operation.

The arrests mainly took place in Agadir, Marrakech, and Rabat, the same source added.

“Investigations continue to arrest” other individuals “potentially involved,” according to the Le360 website. The opening match of the AFCON, on Sunday, between Morocco and Comoros (a 2-0 victory for the host team), had been announced as sold out, but only 60,180 people attended, leaving 9,320 seats empty at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which generated outrage and surprise on social media.

Morocco is hosting the 35th edition of the AFCON, held from December 21 to January 18.

In 2030, the kingdom will become the second country to host a World Cup, 20 years after South Africa. The tournament will be organized jointly with Spain and Portugal.

*With content from AFP

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.