''Fines of up to €2,500 are possible''

Mr Schütz, what is so problematic about tickets sold on the black market?

''When setting the ticket prices for concerts and events, organisers try to take into account the social side of things. Football clubs, TSG Hoffenheim included, could charge huge sums of money for tickets to big matches, but choose not to so as to allow fans with a limited budget to experience these matches live. However, if supply is scarce and demand is high, very high prices can be charged. This is the dream scenario for black market traders, who often charge two, three or even five times as much as the original asking price.''

How can we put an end to this practice?

''In contrast to other European countries, the sale of tickets on the black market is not against the law in Germany. In fact, there is very little in the way of regulations. This means that civil law is the only means of legal recourse. Clubs and event organisers make use of this option when setting out the Terms & Conditions for sale. These stipulate that tickets may only be resold via the fair and officially recognised channel - the TSG ticket exchange, in which, in contrast to other platforms such as eBay and Viagogo, tickets cannot be sold on at a profit. Should a ticket holder no longer be able to attend a match, they can easily and securely sell the ticket on to another fan via the TSG ticket exchange. Tickets can also be passed on in a private exchange between two individuals, provided that the new ticket holder agrees to the validity of the Term & Conditions for sale and - if possible - enters his/her name in the appropriate field on the ticket in question. When selling tickets in a private exchange, the seller may apply a surcharge of no more than 15% of the original price in order to compensate for any transaction costs incurred. Any seller who fails to comply with this rule should expect to face a financial penalty if caught. Fines of up to €2,500 are possible.''

Are season tickets ever sold on the black market?

''Unfortunately, certain people choose to sell their season tickets for individual matches. In these cases, it's possible that the season ticket could be withdrawn and the season ticket agreement with the individual in question could be brought to end. When it becomes clear that someone has sold tickets without the permission to do so, the tickets will be blocked. That's obviously very irritating for the person who purchased the ticket, as they will arrive at the stadium and won't be able to get in to watch the match.''

What are TSG doing to combat the sale of black market tickets?

''TSG now have a page on their website all about black market tickets. It provides detailed information on the ban, the reasons behind it and the possible consequences of failing to comply with the rules.''

What should fans do if they come across tickets for sale on the black market?

''Buying tickets from any source other than an official retail outlet, such as a tout outside a stadium (often active across the whole of Germany), is incredibly risky. In the past we've often come across fraud cases in which people have purchased non-valid tickets. We are well aware of how angry the real fans are about the exorbitant prices being charged for TSG tickets on the black market. Here at the TSG ticketing department, we regularly hear from supporters who have been ripped off by black market vendors on sites such as Viagogo. Any fans that have purchased tickets at inflated prices should send a photo of the black market tickets, with the relevant proof of purchase included, to ticketing@achtzehn99.de. This will allow the club to take the relevant action against the seller. Photos can be sent after the match in question.''

You've mentioned platforms such as Viagogo. What general advice can you give the club's fans when it comes to purchasing tickets for TSG matches? 

''If a match is sold out, then you should know that means there are no tickets available. Should you then come across tickets for sale, then it's important to have a close look at the price being asked for. If it's clear that the ticket is being sold on for a profit, for example a €28 ticket on sale for €80, then the only advice we can give to fans is to leave it alone. If you buy one of these tickets, then there's a big chance it will end up being blocked. That's the message we want to send out. If all fans heed this advice, then the black market will dry up as there will be simply no more demand for it.''