Fans trade gourmet treats for elusive Bodo/Glimt v. Tottenham tickets
The interest in the rematch of the UEFA Europa League semifinal 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 interest in the Europa League (EL) semifinal rematch between Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham is immense. Although the first game in London ended with Tottenham's 3-1 victory, there is hope 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 accommodates only 8,200 spectators. After accounting for tickets for season ticket holders and the pool 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've 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 11 pounds of dried cod worth about 210 dollars and almost immediately received a response and the coveted ticket. Nils Erik Osheim offered 11 pounds of reindeer tenderloin and also secured his entry.
"I had 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 atmosphere in pubs and fan zones with big screens. There is also a shortage of hotel rooms, and private accommodations cost several hundred dollars. According to local media, licenses for broadcasting the match have been bought not only by pubs and restaurants but also by almost all community centers and association venues in the city.
