Moroccan authorities have arrested eight individuals across several cities, including Rabat, Agadir, and Marrakesh, for their involvement in an illegal ticket scalping network during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The arrests followed a judicial investigation into the "unauthorized resale" of match tickets on social media platforms at exorbitant prices. Some black-market listings for high-demand fixtures reportedly reached as high as 3,500 MAD—more than ten times their original face value.

The crackdown comes amid public outcry over empty seats at "sold-out" venues. During the tournament's opening match between Morocco and Comoros, official attendance was recorded at 60,180, leaving over 9,300 seats vacant despite the game being officially declared a sell-out. Fans have expressed frustration on social media, blaming speculators for hoarding tickets and pricing out genuine supporters.

Moroccan security services and CAF have reiterated that official tickets are only valid when purchased through authorized digital platforms. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to identify further members of the network. Fans have been warned that tickets from unofficial sources may feature invalid QR codes, leading to denied entry at stadium gates.