At the Premier League’s Annual General Meeting in June, clubs agreed to the phased adoption of new digital ticketing requirements, commencing from the start of the new season.
An increasing number of clubs have already introduced digital ticketing, helping to make the sale, transfer, and use of match tickets more efficient and secure for clubs and supporters.
These emerging developments have been used to create a set of requirements for the sale of Home and Away match tickets across the whole Premier League. A two-year phased in period will begin in August, creating an opportunity for all clubs to make the necessary changes to its current ticketing offer.
Digital ticketing will become a mandatory requirement for all existing Premier League clubs by no later than Season 2026/27. Newly promoted clubs will have a period of two years to implement its use upon joining the League.
What is digital ticketing?
A digital ticket is one that is delivered electronically, most commonly to a mobile phone. It allows clubs to assign each Home or Away match ticket to an assigned supporter who is registered with the club. It uses enhanced security features such as hidden or rotating barcodes that help to prevent misuse or the illegal touting of tickets.
Digital ticketing will allow clubs to make the sale and delivery of tickets more efficient. It will also help to resolve challenges, such as lost or damaged tickets and create scope for more dynamic ticket transfer schemes.
From the start of Season 2026/27, digital tickets will have replaced other phased-out methods of sales such as paper tickets, print-at-home options, or plastic cards.
Home ticket transfer schemes, for the authorised resale of tickets, will also be facilitated through digital tickets only.
What will change next season?
Supporters may not notice immediate changes to match tickets, particularly at clubs where digital ticketing has already been implemented for Home fixtures.
Planning has commenced at all clubs for the introduction of any required changes, including consultation with supporters and testing and development of new systems and ticket types. Each club will update its own fanbase on any changes, providing notification and guidance on the timing of any changes.
An increasing number of digital Away match tickets will come into use this season, as clubs work towards its wholesale introduction in two years’ time.
Will I have to use a Digital ticket?
League rules will require clubs to ensure that Season Tickets and all Home and Away Match Tickets by default are made available as digital tickets. Clubs will retain some discretion to make some tickets available in other formats to supporters who have reasonable grounds to request them. This may include supporters who have a disability that makes the purchase or use of digital tickets challenging. Other examples include some group bookings, such as school or Club Community partners.
Clubs will consult with supporters’ representatives to develop suitable policies and exemptions.
You can view the new digital ticket requirements under Section R of the Premier League Handbook.
Anti-touting initiatives
In partnership with clubs and using digital ticket as a platform, the League is now developing a coordinated plan to combat illegal ticket touting and other fraudulent practices including fake ticket website scams.
The Premier League will provide updates on this work, alongside more detailed guidance for supporters on the use of the digital tickets as we progress through the two-year phased-in period.
Supporters should always check with their own club in the instance for relevant information or help with ay questions, prior to purchasing tickets for a match.
