Sports

All AFL finals to be protected by anti-scalping laws

All AFL finals matches in Victoria will be protected by tougher anti-scalping rules with new legislation introduced to stop football fans from being fleeced.

New laws that passed the Victorian Parliament this week will make it illegal to sell tickets to so-called “declared events” for more than 10 per cent above face value.

The Victorian government has revealed “declared event status” will be applied to all finals matches in Victoria, giving fans greater protection from scalpers.

Jack Riewoldt of the Tigers marks during last year's AFL grand final.

Photo: AAP

The grand final has been the only AFL match that is designated a declared event, which attracts the stronger consumer protections.

Sports Minister John Eren said the new legislation would give Victorians fairer access to major events.

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“We will declare all games in the AFL final series played in Victoria to ensure fans are protected from getting ripped off by scalpers,” he said.

“Our legislation will make a big difference for all Victorians – making events fairer and providing more power to crack down on scalpers.”

Sports Minister John Eren in State Parliament.

Photo: Eddie Jim

The changes will apply to this years finals series.

However, the government has intimated it could go further and request declared event status for major home-and-away clashes, including the Anzac Day match between Essendon and Collingwood next year.

Major cultural events, including concerts and musicals, will also be eligible for declared event status.

New authorised ticketing officers with the power to fine scalpers will enforce the rules together with Victoria Police.

"We are awaiting the full wording but we will work with the Victorian government," an AFL spokesman said.

The issue of so-called legalised scalping reared its head again during last year's finals, with Richmond's resurgence leading to demand of a rare level.

With tickets allocated to members snapped up within minutes, tickets were being sold legally through resale sites for more than four times face value.

The Tigers' MCG lead-up finals against Geelong and Greater Western Sydney drew crowds of 95,028 and 94,258 respectively, with similar crowds likely should Richmond – who are premiership favourites – again play MCG finals before the grand final this year.

The Tigers celebrate their grand final win in 2017.

Photo: AAP

The AFL last month announced that the grand final would be played at the MCG until at least 2057, an agreement struck as part of a $500 million state government funding package for AFL and AFL club grounds.

The new legislation will only apply to matches played in Victoria.

Under the changes if the minister seeks a written notice to designate declared event status the organiser will have 14 days to respond. The minister will then have 14 to make the declaration.

However, if a event organiser asks for declared status the minister must respond within 14 days.

The Greens had wanted the new laws to be expanded to force major event organisers to disclose exactly how many tickets were allocated to fans, sponsors and corporate packages.

However, they were unable to gain sufficient support for those changes in the Parliament.

The new rules will come into force in June.

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Benjamin Preiss

Benjamin is a state political reporter

Daniel Cherny

Daniel is an Age sports reporter.

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