Investigation uncovers damning Manchester City ticket sales controversy for United clash | OneFootball

Manchester City tickets are being sold on a black market from companies at a number of overseas locations, a new investigative report has uncovered.

The findings raise fresh questions over the security of Premier League ticketing systems, with demand for high-profile fixtures such as the Manchester derby against United and City’s Champions League knockout ties fuelling an underground resale market.

Clubs have previously attempted to clamp down on unauthorised sales across competitions, but the latest revelations point to loopholes still being exploited by organised networks across the continent and perhaps further afield.

Pep Guardiola’s side are in the middle of one of the most high-profile stretches of their campaign, having dispatched Manchester United 3-0 before turning attentions to an eventual 2-0 win over Napoli in European competitions.

Supporters have already expressed frustrations over ticket allocation, with derby games and Champions League ties routinely selling out within hours, while other fixtures controversially see supporters of opposition clubs in home allocated seats.

This is not the first time that supporter access and the broader matchday experience have come under the spotlight at Manchester City. In the last few months and years, changes to stadium logistics around the Etihad Stadium and adjustments to hospitality sections drew discussion about how tickets are distributed.

Now, as per information detailed in a new BBC investigation, a black market selling ‘thousands’ of Premier League tickets features companies at a number of overseas locations, using memberships/computer software to obtain tickets through clubs’ online ticket platforms.

Despite the recent Manchester derby being sold out weeks before the game, the BBC have revealed they bought a pair of tickets in the City end ‘days before’ the match, while other Etihad Stadium tickets have been listed for matches in the stadium’s exclusive Tunnel Club.

Days after the 3-0 win for Pep Guardiola’s side, the BBC have further revealed that one of their digital tickets had then automatically changed in their mobile wallet, this time displaying a different seat number and appearing to be for the Champions League fixture against Napoli.

The revelations now place added pressure on City and the Premier League to act, and supporters eagerly await to see stronger checks and balances introduced, especially given how digital ticketing was intended to tighten security and cut out the very loopholes now being exploited.

For fans, the sense of exclusion from iconic fixtures – whether it be a derby or a UEFA Champions League night under the Etihad Stadium lights – will only grow if transparency is not improved.

Looking ahead, clubs may be forced to rethink their approach entirely, and measures such as biometric entry, stricter membership vetting, and closer international monitoring could all come into play.