Chelsea fans call for Boehly ticket site investigation

The Premier League has requested an investigation into co-owner Todd Boehly’s involvement with the ticket-reselling website Vivid Seats, according to Chelsea Supporters’ Trust.

The group reiterates a previous complaint that Boehly’s involvement in Vivid Seats as a director and investor, as well as having a 13% stake in Chelsea, is “a clear conflict of interest” and “a breach of trust.”

It also highlights Vivid’s status as an “unauthorised ticketing website” by the Premier League, which allows fans from abroad to purchase tickets unofficially for between £90 and £20,000.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) of the government has also received evidence against CST.

It stated in the letter that “Many CST members have written to us in response to this connection.

Mr. Boehly’s relationship with Vivid Seats, a director and part-owner of Chelsea FC, is completely inappropriate and significantly undermines Chelsea FC’s efforts to combat ticket touting.

The CST has contacted Mr. Boehly directly and given him numerous opportunities to address supporters’ concerns both publicly and privately.

However, neither Mr. Boehly nor his representatives have responded to these inquiries, and tickets are still for sale on Vivid Seats’ website.

According to the official website of Chelsea, “ticket touting is prohibited and any purchases made unofficially will be invalid,” with fans being denied entry to the stadium.

Users in the UK are not permitted to use Vivid, but it is legal to do so abroad. Despite a pop-up disclaimer warning that reads “tickets for the EPL games are not currently available for purchase in your location,” BBC Sport has been able to confirm that the website allows UK-based users to purchase tickets.

BBC Sport has contacted Chelsea, Boehly’s representatives, and Vivid for comment.

The CST letter added that the club’s pledge to stop ticket tampering encouraged it and that it has also been supported by the Football Supporters’ Association. Season ticket holders have received an email outlining a number of actions being taken, but it is not named Vivid Seats or any other ticket resellers.

Stamford Bridge’s “flat” atmosphere was previously highlighted by previous manager Mauricio Pochettino and later refrained from being addressed by current head coach Enzo Maresca.