Champions League final ticket holders are reportedly giving up entire mobile phones to buyers as demand for match access reaches extraordinary levels, creating a booming secondary market where some sellers are making profits of more than 1,700% above face value, according to Bloomberg. The unusual practice has emerged because many UEFA tickets are now locked to official mobile ticketing apps, making transfers more restrictive.
Reports from fan forums and ticket resale communities show some sellers offering buyers temporary possession of the phones containing the official UEFA mobile tickets, with arrangements for the devices to be returned after matches. In several cases, Champions League final tickets originally purchased through official ballots have reportedly been resold for thousands of euros above their face value.
According to discussions among supporters and resale listings, Category 1 and Category 2 tickets have been offered at prices ranging from several thousand euros to well above €5,000, reflecting intense demand for Europe’s biggest club football event. UEFA has maintained restrictions on ticket transfers and resale activity, while clubs have previously imposed bans on supporters found profiting from unofficial ticket sales.
Industry observers say the phenomenon highlights the growing tension between digital ticket security and the lucrative secondary ticket market. Analysts note that while mobile-only ticketing has helped reduce some forms of fraud, it has also created new workarounds in high-demand events where fans are willing to pay substantial premiums for access to major sporting spectacles.
