Norwegian fans barter gourmet treats for Europa League tickets
The interest in the rematch of the UEFA Europa League semi-final between Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham has exceeded all expectations. Fans are offering fish and reindeer meat for tickets that are no longer available for sale. This is how they circumvent the ban.
The excitement surrounding the Europa League (EL) semi-final rematch between Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham is immense. As noted by the Polish Press Agency, although the first match in London ended with Tottenham's victory, 3-1, there is a belief in Bodø that the Norwegian team will make a comeback and advance to the EL final. Media describe the atmosphere in the city as exceptionally heated ahead of this historic event.
The Aspmyra Stadium in Bodø holds only 8,200 spectators, and after accounting for season ticket holders and the allocation reserved by UEFA, only 480 tickets were left for sale. Over 50,000 Norwegians lined up for these spots.
In Norway, reselling tickets for profit is illegal, but this hasn't stopped fans. They have found a loophole because bartering is allowed. As a result, ads have appeared offering cod or reindeer meat in exchange for tickets.
Fish and reindeer meat for a ticket: that's how they navigate the law
Torbjørn Eide, a production manager at a fish farm, offered 5 kilograms of dried cod worth about €200 and almost immediately received a response and the coveted ticket. Nils Erik Osheim offered 5 kilograms of reindeer tenderloin and also secured his entry.
"I was number 40,000 in the ticket queue, so the chances were practically zero, and the buyer immediately agreed to the gourmet meat, which is very expensive in the store," said Osheim.
A lawyer confirms that such exchanges in Norway are completely legal "because both sides determine the value of their products for exchange." In the case of reselling a ticket for profit, such a transaction "would fall under the black market paragraph" and would be prohibited.
Not only are tickets for the match scarce, but also flights to Bodø, where thousands of fans are heading to experience the game's atmosphere in pubs and fan zones with big screens. There is also a shortage of hotel rooms, and private accommodations cost several hundred pounds. According to local media, licenses for broadcasting the match have been bought not only by pubs and restaurants but also by almost all community centres and association venues in the city.
