The FA welcomes new laws introduced today that crack down on ticket touting and closes a number of loopholes.

The new legislation, which forms part of the Violent Crime Reduction Act, extends the ban on touting to specifically cover touts trading through websites.

It makes it an offence for newspapers, websites, and search engines to carry advertising for ticket touts, and prevents touts trying to claim that they are giving a ticket away free with another, hugely expensive item such as a hat. It covers both domestic games and matches involving English teams playing abroad.

The clampdown follows a joint campaign by The FA, Premier League, Football League, UEFA and FIFA, working closely with the Home Office and the Police, to tackle touting and help ensure that genuine supporters get access to tickets at the proper price.

The five football bodies have formed a working group that will work in partnership with the Government and Police, sharing best practice and targeting enforcement action against ticket touts. The new measures complement a joint approach on other related issues such as new stadia, CCTV, stewarding and banning orders that have helped to make English grounds safe, enjoyable and atmospheric places to watch football.

FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick said: "This is positive news for everyone involved in football, especially the millions of genuine fans up and down the country whose incredible loyalty to their team could be exploited by touts. The new laws mark another positive achievement for the partnership between football, the government and the police to improve safety and security at matches."