Chelsea will introduce digital ticketing from the start of next season.
The club have cited a “major effort to clamp down on ticket touting” as a key driver in the decision, which will see all home matches at Stamford Bridge for both general admission and hospitality go digital for the 2025-26 campaign onwards.
Premier League clubs agreed last summer that digital ticketing will become mandatory for all by the start of the 2026-27 season, while newly promoted clubs will have a period of two years to implement.
Chelsea report that more than 1,000 people with touted tickets have been stopped from entering Stamford Bridge this season, while 2,000 membership accounts linked to touting have been cancelled, along with “multiple” individuals arrested following police operations.
The club believe the added “convenience” of a digital ticket will result in an improved fan experience due to quicker entry into the grounds on matchdays.
A Chelsea spokesperson said: “This is an exciting transition for Chelsea FC that will yield multiple benefits and opportunities for our fans down the line. Most importantly it is another step on our journey to clamp down on the ticket touts.
“Switching to digital ticketing is a major step in ensuring a fairer, safer, more secure ticketing experience and will help to put real tickets in the hands of real fans.
“As a club we strive to provide the best service and best experience for our fans. Moving to digital tickets will be a crucial part of improving fan experience and giving them the peace of mind they deserve.”
