Ontario announced Thursday that it will increase the maximum fine for repeat illegal ticket resellers from $10,000 to $25,000, just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Toronto. The province also plans to publicly name businesses caught selling above‑face‑value tickets, a move meant to deter scalpers and protect fans.

The $25,000 penalty for repeat offenders

Under the new regulation, anyone caught reselling tickets illegally a second time faces a fine of up to $25,000, a three‑fold jump from the previous $10,000 ceiling.. According to the provincial announcement, the higher penalty is intended to send a clear signal that scalping will not be tolerated during the high‑profile tournament.

Public naming of offending ticketing businesses

Ontario will add a transparency layer by publishing the names of companies found to be selling tickets above face value. The measure, detailed in the government's press release, aims to shame violators and give consumers a quick reference for reputable sellers.

FIFA’s April delisting of resale tickets

In response to the new rules, FIFA temporarily removed all resale listings from its official platform in April, ensuring that only face‑value tickets remain available through the governing body’s website. The official FIFA site still lists tickets for Toronto’s opening match on June 12, but third‑party platforms continue to show ressale offers.

Consumer Choice Centre warns of hidden risks

David Clement, policy director of the Consumer Choice Centre, cautioned that the stricter fines may push scalpers onto less‑regulated online venues, exposing buyers to fraud and inflated prices. He told the outlet that enforcement will be difficult because “locating resellers and verifying original face values” is a logistical nightmare.

Will unregulated platforms surge?

Experts question whether the crackdown will simply shift illegal activity to underground forums and overseas marketplaces, where Ontario has little jurisdiction.. The concern is that fans like Alex Morales, who reported being “disheartened by the prices,” may turn to risky sites in search of affordable seats .

Open question: Can the province enforce the new rules?

The effectiveness of the $25,000 fine hinges on enforcement capacity, a point the source itself admits remains uncertain. Without clear mechanisms to trace ticket origins, the law may have limited impact on actual consumer outcomes.