Beware of unauthorised ticket sellers to the AFL Grand Final

As Hawthorn and Sydney Swans supporters get ready for the AFL Grand Final this Saturday, would-be ticket scalpers were today reminded about the consequences of selling Grand Final tickets above face value.

Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty, AFL Chief Operating Officer Gillon McLachlan and Victoria Police Superintendent Rod Wilson today joined forces at AFL Headquarters to ensure the message was loud and clear.

Minister Delahunty explained, "ticket scalping prices the average supporter out of the market and reduces their opportunity to attend one of the best sporting spectacles in the Australia - the AFL Grand Final.

"Today we are warning anyone thinking about making a quick buck by scalping tickets to the Grand Final to think again.

"Equally, people attempting to buy tickets from scalpers should also take heed - tickets can be cancelled by the AFL, and their money will not be refunded."

The Victorian Government is working with the AFL, Victoria Police and websites such as eBay, GumTree and Locanto to monitor ticket scalping activity to the Grand Final.

Under the Major Sporting Events Act 2009, individuals caught scalping tickets face fines of up to $8,450 per offence, or $84,504 for multiple offences. Organisations caught scalping tickets face fines of up to $42,252 per offence, or $422,520 for multiple offences.

McLachlan added "there are clear regulations around the scalping of AFL Grand Final tickets and we make no excuses for the severity of the fines involved.

"I would also urge football fans to be mindful of counterfeit or unlicensed AFL products on sale at this time. These products are poor in quality and deny AFL clubs revenue from the sale of official products.

"This is a time of year to celebrate the AFL season but we would encourage fans to do so in the right way, whether that's at the game itself or more broadly in the community."

Melbourne Divisional Superintendent Rod Wilson said police will be patrolling the MCG targeting anti-social behaviour, and will take action if there are any breaches of the ticket scalping laws, adding "the majority of people celebrate responsibly, but any dangerous or inconsiderate behavior that could ruin it for others will not be tolerated."

For more information go to www.ticketmaster.com.au/afl 

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