Meeting of the Parliament 11 November 2025
That would have been an interesting game, although completely different from the modern game that Queen’s Park invented, but I recognise that too.
Regardless of what we say and do here, Hampden will be bouncing when the games happen. Our job is to ensure that the law helps us to host well-organised events while protecting people’s rights and local livelihoods. Euro 2028 is more than a tournament: it will showcase Scotland to the world as a dynamic, welcoming and ambitious nation. Independent analysis suggests that there will be £2.6 billion in socioeconomic benefits across the UK and Ireland, with real opportunities for tourism and hospitality here in Scotland to benefit.
The bill, as others have said, does three main things: it bans ticket touting for profit; it controls street trading in event zones at set times; and it prevents ambush advertising around Euro 2028. It also sets out clear enforcement powers and includes a sunset clause so that special measures will lapse after the tournament.
On ticket touting, the committee heard clear evidence about whether we are actually tackling modern online resales from sellers that sit outside Scotland. The 2025 bill removes the extraterritorial element that existed in 2020, which means that a question remains about what practical co-ordination is in place across the UK to stop the profiteering that prices ordinary fans out of the game. Fans should not be outbid by bots and scalpers when all they want to do is see their country play. The committee highlighted that, if we need a published cross-border plan with operational guidance from Police Scotland and its counterparts, we should say so and get that done.
On exemptions, the committee has questioned the drafting that would allow UEFA to sell tickets. The committee has the right to do that, and I share the concern. We need absolute clarity that a loophole will not be created for individuals to personally profit. Regardless of who they are and where they got the tickets from, the intent is to enable proper distribution and not open the door to officials touting tickets. I am passionate about beating ticket touts whoever they are, although I equally recognise that the commercial revenue that is generated for UEFA and its corporate partners supports our beautiful game. Tightening the explanatory notes or guidance should give fans confidence that the system will be fair and that they will get value for money on tickets and merchandise.
I have gone round the houses on the issue of street trading, because Glasgow traders help to make our big occasions special. Who has not heard, “Get your hats, scarves and flags here” at many a game? Glasgow City Council needs to work with those traders to ensure that they get an opportunity to operate elsewhere, given that UEFA and its sponsors are spending quite a lot of money on the championship.
On advertising, ambush marketing should not be allowed to hijack the tournament, but the committee has been clear that we must draw a line between commercial promotion and social or political expression. Peaceful non-commercial protest is part of Scotland’s democracy and democratic life and it should not be chilled by event rules. It is essential to strike the right balance between commercial infringement and being careful with civil liberties.
I feel that I have taken quite a bit of time, Presiding Officer.