Sports Ministry issues regulations governing ticket sales for sports events
The Saudi Ministry of Sports introduced new regulations for the sale and resale of tickets for sports events. These rules aim to protect consumer rights and stop unauthorized practices. A ticketing platform accreditation service will launch on November 15 via the Riyadhi Platform. Current platforms have 90 days to meet the technical and regulatory requirements. Only event organizers and accredited platforms may sell or resell tickets. These entities must ensure secure transactions and protect consumer data.
RIYADH — The Saudi Ministry of Sports issued on Monday regulations governing ticket sales and resale for sports competitions and events in Saudi Arabia, aimed at protecting consumers' rights, curbing unauthorized practices, and strengthening compliance and oversight.The ministry will launch a ticketing platform accreditation service through its Riyadhi Platform on November 15. Existing ticketing platforms will have 90 days from the date the regulations were issued to comply with approved technical and regulatory requirements.The regulations restrict ticket sales and resale to event organizers and ministry-accredited platforms, which must ensure secure transactions, protect consumer data, handle high demand, and provide clear procedures for complaints, cancellations, and refunds.They also require transparency in ticket prices, fees, and refund policies, while prohibiting hidden fees, misleading pricing, unauthorized ticket trading, and the use of automated software or multiple accounts to bypass purchase limits. Additional provisions include linking tickets to buyers' identities, setting individual purchase limits, observing venue capacities, and meeting cybersecurity and data protection requirements.The regulations aimed to strengthen governance in the sports sector, protect consumers' rights, and improve the spectator experience.