Thousands of people were left disappointed last weekend after missing out on tickets for the Manchester band’s reunion due to unprecedented demand.
There was also huge criticism from politicians and fans of the dynamic pricing strategy used in the sale, which saw some tickets soar to over €400.
Some fans were given the option of paying up to €415 for “in demand” standing tickets, which cost more than double the price of a €176.75 standard standing ticket for the band’s two nights in Croke Park next year.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said it has opened an investigation following a review of more than 100 complaints from “very disappointed and frustrated fans” in the wake of the controversy.
“While companies in Ireland are allowed to respond to market demand, there are legitimate concerns over how consumers were treated and we have decided that an in-depth investigation is necessary,” said Brian McHugh, chair of the CCPC.
“If we find that consumer protection laws were broken we will take action.
“The CCPC is grateful to consumers who have taken the time to call or email our helpline to share their experiences with us as their stories have helped us develop a picture of last weekend’s events.”
In a statement, Ticketmaster said: “We are committed to cooperating with the CCPC and look forward to sharing more facts about the ticket sales with them.”
Earlier this week a number of Fianna Fáil politicians moved to ban dynamic pricing following the fiasco. Senator Timmy Dooley and TDs Niamh Smyth and Jim O’Callaghan are introducing a bill that would ban the use of dynamic pricing by primary ticket sellers like Ticketmaster.
This would add to legislation introduced in 2021 banning the resale of tickets above face value by ticket touts on the secondary market.
Mr O’Callaghan said the sale showed “fans do not know whether they will have to pay for tickets through dynamic pricing and how dynamic pricing models actually work”.
He said adding to the 2021 act would ensure fans are protected “from the experience of seeing ‘in demand’ tickets jumping significantly ab...
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