Morocco’s Competition Council has successfully resolved a dispute over access to the sports ticketing services market following commitments by the state-owned Société Nationale de Réalisation et de Gestion des Équipements Sportifs (SONARGES) to implement transparent and non-discriminatory practices.
The Council said in a statement released to Hespress FR that it received two formal complaints on May 2, 2025, regarding alleged barriers to entry in the ticketing sector for sporting events. Following multiple discussions with stakeholders, SONARGES formalized a commitment to ensure fair access to its infrastructure for all ticketing service providers.
As part of this agreement, SONARGES introduced a structured framework that includes a referencing system for ticketing operators. This system will apply to all providers, including Tadakir.ma, the ticketing platform developed by SONARGES itself.
To qualify, ticketing companies must meet specific technical standards for integration with access control systems, as well as comply with data security, service quality, and confidentiality requirements, the Council said. Only approved providers will be eligible to manage ticketing for events held in SONARGES-managed facilities.
The process for referencing providers will be transparent and non-discriminatory, with applications reviewed by an independent IT audit firm. Event organizers will retain the freedom to choose from among approved providers for each event.
A tripartite agreement will be signed between SONARGES, the event organizer, and the ticketing provider to clarify responsibilities and set out the technical, financial, and contractual terms of service.
The Council, chaired by Ahmed Rahhou, emphasized that the commitments aim to safeguard neutrality in market access and uphold principles of equal treatment, while ensuring security, transparency, and high service quality.
Following these reforms, one of the original complainants formally withdrew its case, a move accepted under Moroccan competition law (Law No. 104.12 on the freedom of prices and competition).
The Competition Council welcomed the constructive cooperation of all parties and confirmed the matter was resolved amicably—without the need for legal proceedings.
The Council also pledged to monitor the implementation of SONARGES’ commitments to ensure continued compliance with competition regulations and to maintain a fair and open marketplace for both operators and consumers.
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