Fans who queued for hours on Ticketmaster's website saw prices skyrocket. A regular standing ticket was sold for 355 pounds compared to the expected 148. Others were tricked into buying special "platinum tickets" that were actually no different from regular seats.
Ticket seller Ticketmaster, which is owned by Live Nation Entertainment, was accused of using so-called dynamic pricing, which is controlled by supply and demand.
Although the regulatory authority did not find any evidence that dynamic pricing was used, Ticketmaster is now required to inform fans 24 hours in advance if a tiered pricing system is used, where more expensive tickets are released as soon as the cheaper ones are sold out.
The company must also become clearer in its price information to online buyers. Which price ranges are available for the event and quickly update when cheaper tickets are sold out.
Several people believe that the regulatory authority should have been sharper in its criticism of Ticketmaster and advocated for a refund to the fans.
Those who felt cheated when they bought Oasis tickets last year will undoubtedly feel disappointed that Ticketmaster has not been held accountable for their behavior, says Lisa Webb, an expert on consumer law at the consumer organization Which?.
