Ben Macpherson

Under the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill it would be a crime to tout tickets for profit, whether in person, privately or via resale sites.

Glasgow will be one of 12 host cities for Euro 2020 and an estimated 20,000 people are expected to visit during the tournament. Four matches will be held at Hampden Park between June 15 and 30.

Concerns over resold tickets arose four years ago after the Lawn Tennis Association warned fans that tickets bought from touts for the sell-out David Cup semi final featuring Andy Murray could be voided. Tickets were being resold for up to £1,399 – 14 times their face value.

Europe minister Ben Macpherson said: “Glasgow has become one of the world’s top cities for major sporting events, and Euro 2020 will build on the success of hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the European Championships last year.

“As well as bringing thousands of people into the city and increasing trade for shops, restaurants and hotels, these tournaments help showcase Scotland as an outward-looking, welcoming nation.

“The Scottish government is determined to support fair access to tickets so that as many fans as possible can enjoy the matches, which is why we’re making touting a criminal offence. This will help ensure that Euro 2020 tickets are not sold at vastly inflated prices.”