With the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games approaching, the Italian Communications Authority (AGCOM) has opened two proceedings against major international secondary ticketing operators for suspected breaches of Italian law.
According to the initial findings, the companies allegedly offered for sale a large number of tickets for more than 100 Olympic events, in many cases at prices above their face value.
What kind of tickets were involved?
The tickets concerned include some of the most sought-after events, such as the opening and closing ceremonies, and popular winter sports competitions, including ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined, bobsleigh.
The Guardia di Finanza (Italian Financial Police) identified a significant volume of secondary ticket sales compared to the total number of tickets issued for certain disciplines. This suggests that a substantial share of tickets for both indoor and outdoor events may have been diverted to the secondary market.
Importantly, the authorities’ intervention comes before the events take place, allowing preventive measures to be taken to better protect consumers.
Why is secondary ticketing a problem?
AGCOM has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling large-scale speculative ticket resales. These practices often involve:
- The bulk purchase of tickets, sometimes using automated tools.
- The resale of tickets at inflated prices on global platforms.
This harms consumers by reducing their real chances of buying tickets at official prices and forcing them to pay much more than the original value. There can also be wider consequences, including possible tax evasion linked to illegal resale activities.
What does Italian law say?
Italian Law No. 232 of 11 December 2016 introduced a specific administrative offence targeting unauthorized ticket resale. In general, the sale or distribution of tickets for entertainment events is allowed only through authorized ticketing operators. Occasional resale by private individuals is permitted only at or below the face value and not for commercial purposes.
These rules are particularly relevant for major international events such as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, which involve significant public and private investment and attract visitors from all over the world.
How can consumers buy tickets safely?
Consumers who want to attend the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games should buy tickets only through official channels. Official ticket sales are available exclusively via:
- The official Milano Cortina 2026 website.
- The official Milano Cortina 2026 app (available in 12 languages for iOS and Android).
The only exception is On Location, the official provider of hospitality packages, which is authorized to sell tickets only as part of full hospitality packages.
Ticket purchase limits
To ensure fair access, specific limits apply:
- Up to 25 tickets per account across all sales phases.
- Up to 10 tickets per session.
- Up to 4 tickets for high-demand events, such as the opening and closing Ceremony.
ECC-Net reminds that buying tickets from unofficial platforms or social media carries a high risk of overpricing, invalid tickets, or fraud. Always use official sales channels to make sure your ticket is valid and you are properly protected as a consumer.
