Monday December 4, 2023

Olympic Fans ‘In the Dark’ Waiting for Refunds

  • Japan decided to block foreign spectators from attending the Tokyo Olympics.
  • The decision has caused a frenzy of ticket refund requests.
IOC/Design: Alex Brooks
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

Earlier this month, Japan made the call to block international spectators from attending the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics due to the pandemic. The decision has led to a flood of refund requests — more than $10,000 in some cases — from fans who purchased tickets years ago. 

“At this point, they’ve held our funds for two years already, and I’m concerned it’s going to take months more to get them back again,” Olympics fan Monica Treese told The New York Times. “Everyone is still in the dark. We’re just waiting.”

The right to sell tickets to foreign fans is granted by local Olympic organizers, who contract with authorized resellers to distribute the tickets. The base cost goes to the organizers, while resellers are allowed to charge handling and processing fees that go directly to them. 

Approximately 600,000 tickets were sold to international fans, and around 68,000 American fans were expected at the games.

CoSport, the exclusive rights holder for Olympic ticket sales in the U.S., will not refund a 20% handling fee for American fans, per Yahoo.

“I find it amazing that they intend to simply keep the 20% surcharge which they assessed on tickets, which we will never be permitted to use. As a point of reference, this amounts to nearly $2,000 for our family,” said a fan in a message to The New York Times. 

However, Team GB Live, the official reseller in the U.K., will offer full refunds.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nick Saban highest paid college football head coach.

Who Is Highest-Paid Coach in College Football?

Saban remains atop highest-paid head coaches getting over $11 million annually.
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
Sponsored

How Daktronics Helps Elite Athletic Programs Secure Top Talent

How colleges are utilizing Daktronics' displays to elevate recruiting.

WBD Pursues ‘Different’ Strategy For Sports on Max

Company to place all of its live sports on new streaming tier
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

CFP Selection Turns Heads with Controversial Selection

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

The College Football Playoff is considering rotating TV networks for the national championship game.

CFP Considers Super Bowl-Like Rotation For National Championship Game

Multiple networks could share rights to the championship game, sources told FOS.
Brett Favre
November 27, 2023

Favre Welfare Case Hold-Up? "AG’s Office Has Not Expressed Interest In Pursuing"

The DOJ interviewed Brett Favre in early 2020.
The future of the Pac-12 rests on a court decision.
November 24, 2023

The Pac-12 Plays Its Final Regular-Season Game. Then A Court Decides Its Fate.

The conference's future rests with a court decision.
Lane Kiffin
November 9, 2023

Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Player Lawsuit

FOS obtained audio of Lane Kiffin's interaction with the player behind lawsuit.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Wasserman
Multiple - USA Careers
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Saco Bay PT
Multiple - USA Careers
Olympic rings in front of mountains in the background

IOC's Winter Olympics Favorites: France 2030, Salt Lake City 2034

Preferred bidders have been selected for 2030 and 2034.
November 21, 2023

Cricket Continues To Surge In Popularity

Tournament posts record-level attendance, streaming totals.
November 27, 2023

Two U.S. World Cups in Two Years?

The United States is hoping to host the 2027 Women's World Cup.
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
Oct 22, 2022; Paris, FRANCE; General view the Eiffel Tower and the Seine river, as seen from Pont Alexandre III in advance of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games. The bridge will serve as the site for triathlon, open water swim and road cycling.
November 20, 2023

Paris Olympics Problems Continue With Price-Gouging Claims

Average room prices expected to more than triple for upcoming Games.
Saudi player wins ball from Argentinian player in World Cup match-up
November 17, 2023

$1B Saudi Arabian-FIFA Deal Expected To Follow 2034 World Cup Bid

Saudi oil company Aramco is reportedly close to a deal with FIFA.
November 14, 2023

Wimbledon Expansion In Doubt Amid Local Objections

Local borough planners recommended rejection of project
November 9, 2023

Major Pay Increases Hitting International Women's Soccer

The Women's FA Cup is doubling its prize money.