New legislation to enable Scotland to host EURO 2028, including
measures to tackle ticket touting, has been introduced to the
Scottish Parliament.
The UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill will:
- prohibit the resale of tickets in Scotland for profit online
and in person
- restrict street trading and outdoor advertising within
designated event zones in Glasgow
If passed, the legislation will enable Scottish courts to issue
fines up to £20,000, with an unlimited amount possible for the
most serious offences.
The football tournament will feature 24 national teams, with
matches staged across the UK and Ireland, including at Hampden
stadium, in June and July 2028.
Business Minister said:
“Hosting EURO 2028 is an opportunity for Scotland to shine
globally and to welcome thousands of fans to our cities, pubs,
restaurants, hotels and communities.
“Our reputation for hosting major sporting and cultural events is
known the world over. Hosting one of the most prestigious
sporting events is an opportunity to truly cement this legacy.
“Our legislation intends to sustain the integrity of this
world-class sporting event and enables us to grab the economic
opportunities of the Euros by meeting our obligations as a host
nation.
“That's why we want to tackle unscrupulous ticket touts and
uphold our duties to UEFA as a privileged host nation.”
Background
The UEFA European Championship
(Scotland) Bill
To host the UEFA European Championships, host nations are
required to protect certain commercial rights held by UEFA.
Analysis of the Bill's
public consultation, which ran from 2 May 2024 to 26 July 2024,
was published in October 2024. Engagement targeted street
traders, media owners, businesses operating within potential
event zones, residents and representative groups, including
business and equalities groups.
The Bill proposes that there will be an event zone at Hampden
Park and further event zone(s) designated in the city, which will
be subject to further engagement.
The Bill will now be considered by the Scottish Parliament, which
will set a timetable to complete the legislative process by the
end of this parliamentary session in March 2026.
Subject to Parliament's consideration, the ticket resale
provisions of the Bill are expected to come in to force in summer
2026 and the street trading and advertising provisions on a date
to be confirmed in 2028. The Bill will be automatically repealed
on 31 December 2028.
