Liverpool FC issues hundreds of lifetime bans in crackdown on ticket touting

By Bilal Ahmed — 22 July 2026 — 3 min read

Club and Police Collaboration

Liverpool FC has collaborated with Merseyside Police in a significant effort to combat ticket touting. This joint operation has led to the seizure of over £1.2 million in assets connected to organised ticket touts. Several cases are still in progress under the Proceeds of Crime Act, highlighting the ongoing nature of these investigations.

The police operation specifically targets the laundering of criminal proceeds from illicit ticket sales. This initiative complements the club’s continuous efforts to address ticket touting, both online and around the stadium, aiming to safeguard genuine supporters from exploitation and scams.

In the past year, there have been convictions related to ticket touting, with an additional case currently proceeding through the courts. The club has also increased resources on matchdays to investigate and deter touting activities.

Extensive Sanctions and Investigations

During the last season, Liverpool FC analysed nearly 700,000 ticket registrations. This analysis revealed that approximately 68,000 accounts were identified as fake, leading to their blocking or cancellation. Furthermore, 121,000 accounts remain under investigation for suspicious activity.

As a result of these investigations, the club has issued 432 lifetime bans. These bans include 383 to All Red members, 41 to season ticket holders, and eight to seasonal hospitality members. Additionally, 115 indefinite suspensions have been imposed, with 91 affecting All Red members and 24 impacting season ticket holders. A lifetime ban is permanent, while indefinite suspensions typically last a minimum of three years, after which reinstatement can be sought.

The majority of these bans and suspensions were issued due to the unauthorised resale of season tickets, membership tickets, or hospitality tickets, which violates the club’s terms and conditions. Individuals who have been banned or suspended have the right to appeal to the Independent Football Ombudsman.

The club also reported a 33% increase in the detection of ‘burner phones’ used for stadium entry. These phones, often cheaper models, are used to hold tickets before being transferred to customers. Entry was either denied or the phones were seized by Merseyside Police. Targeted stops outside the stadium on matchdays also saw a significant increase, preventing access for those with suspicious account activity. The club averaged 300 stops before each home game and conducted checks at away games.

Beyond ticket touting, 28 cases were addressed under the club’s Red Together initiative, which focuses on equality, diversity, and inclusion. These cases resulted in lifetime bans or suspensions for various behavioural issues, including three for racist and homophobic abuse, 13 for inappropriate touching or language, four for assault, and one for tragedy chanting.

Advice for Supporters

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Suffield from Merseyside Police’s Economic Crime Team emphasised the importance of the partnership between the police and Liverpool FC in protecting genuine fans. He stated that actions would continue against touts operating both online and on matchdays.

Supporters are strongly advised against purchasing tickets from unofficial online channels or sellers. Club research indicates that over nine out of ten tickets listed on these unofficial sites either do not exist or are touted tickets that have been sold multiple times. Anyone found with a ticket not forwarded according to club terms, or without a valid ticket, will be ejected from Anfield.

The only authorised method to share a General Admission ticket is through the club’s Ticket Forwarding service. Using burner phones to distribute tickets risks suspension or cancellation of season tickets or All Red memberships. Fans are encouraged to report unofficial ticket sales or fraudulent tickets to Crimestoppers anonymously.

The club has also outlined its official match break partners and their sub-agents as the only other legitimate sources for official LFC hospitality tickets, which are sold as part of packages including travel or accommodation.

Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk