The German online ticketing platform Ticombo has filed a complaint with the European Competition Authority against the International Olympic Committee (IOC), accusing it of anti-competitive practices in its ticket resale system for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games, as reported by ‘L’Équipe’ based on information from Reuters.

According to Ticombo, the IOC exercises a monopoly on ticket resale for major sporting events by prohibiting the use of independent resale platforms. In a statement, Ticombo representatives said: “By prohibiting the use of independent resale platforms, the IOC not only limits consumer choice but also the proper functioning of the market.”

RESTRICTIONS ON RESALE

Ticombo also criticized the restrictions imposed by the IOC on its official resale platform, where tickets must be sold at face value, even when demand is low. According to the German platform, this policy harms both fans who cannot attend the events and those looking to purchase tickets on the secondary market. However, with the IOC’s policy, no fan will pay more than the official ticket prices.

The European Commission has confirmed that it will investigate the complaint filed by Ticombo. For its part, the IOC has not commented on the accusations.