[Football] England introduce measures to tackle caps cheats and touts

Tackling ‘caps cheats’ and potential touts​

We are committed to ensuring a fair and transparent ticketing and loyalty system for all our members. Following consultation with ESTC members across regional fan forums, online discussions, in-person meetings, and the Football Supporters' Association, we are introducing a new attendance verification strategy for the 2024-26 membership cycle, which we will trail for the upcoming March fixtures. This strategy aims to tackle both the unauthorised resale of tickets and the accumulation of caps without attending matches.
To be clear, our aim is not to punish people who cannot attend a one off match, but to catch repeat offenders who 'play' the system and benefit from it. The below is initially a trial and will be reviewed internally and externally after the March fixtures.


How It Will Work
Selection Process: Ticket holders selected for verification will be identified through both random selection and intelligence-based methods. Those chosen will be contacted no later than 24 hours of kick-off and asked to ‘check in’ with ID at the ticket office on match day to confirm their attendance.
Dedicated Check-In Window: A special ‘ESTC Window’ at the ticket office will be available exclusively for selected members to ensure a quick and efficient process.

Informing us your ticket will not be used for that match: If you are selected and you were no longer attending the game, you will be asked to check-in at a future match. In this instance, where you inform us of non-attendance, and your ticket is scanned, you will not receive caps.
Attendance Verification: If a ticket holder attends and verifies their identity, no further action will be taken.
Non-Attendance Consequences: If a ticket holder fails to check in, they will not receive their caps for that match and will be required to check in at future games, up to a maximum of three home matches over the next 12 months.
Further Non-Compliance: Repeated failure to check-in, i.e. if a member has failed to check-in on the third time of asking, two active caps will be removed and they will be suspended from the Travel Club for three years.

Trial & Review Process
This policy will be trailed and reviewed over the next few matches to ensure fairness. We are committed to working with fans, and the approach may be refined based on feedback from supporters during and after the trial.
We believe this policy will help maintain the integrity of the ESTC membership and ensure tickets are being used fairly. Your support and feedback are invaluable as we work together to create the best possible experience for all England fans.



I heard Albania tickets were going for as much as £2.75. on the black market....

Wozza said:

I heard Albania tickets were going for as much as £2.75. on the black market....

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Those touts won't stay in business long. It cost me all of £25 for tomorrow's sold-out Albania WCQ and a massive £20 for Latvia on Monday.

More seriously, it's a good thing that there's a tightening up of the system. Little time and even less sympathy for loyalty cap farmers.

Want to watch England in the World Cup? Turn up and support them now in qualification, not just in the tournament.

Absolutely no issue with this. It’s not ideal if you’re on a tight time schedule but not much else they can do.

I did see someone at the Malta home game in 2023 scan in and then immediately ask to leave via the fire exit. Impressive in a weird sort of way.

Scheme is also known as Barber+

Superphil said:

Scheme is also known as Barber+

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I actually posted it to show Albion are not the only organisation doing this.

I think other Prem clubs are turning the screw too.