Sebastien Bassong Fined £565 for Using Expired London Underground Pass to Avoid Fare
Ex-Premier League player Sebastien Bassong was fined £565 after being caught using an expired Transport for London (TfL) pass to dodge a £7 fare on the London Underground. The incident took place at St Paul’s station, where officials noticed the former Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United defender attempting to bypass the ticket barriers.
Details of the Fare Evasion
The 40-year-old Cameroon international was travelling from Arnos Grove in north London when he was spotted by a TfL revenue control officer. The official saw Bassong tailgate behind a companion through the ticket barriers without paying. When asked for a valid ticket, Bassong presented a staff nominee pass instead of a proper Oystercard or contactless payment.
Revenue control officer Adebukola Anifowose reported that Bassong pretended to tap an Oystercard inside a white wallet before following another man through the wide-aisle gate. TfL records showed the pass was neither registered to Bassong nor legitimately used since October 2025.
Background and Legal Outcome
Investigations revealed the pass belonged to the former girlfriend of Bassong’s travelling companion, who claimed he was trying to help Bassong during a tough time. The court heard Bassong was facing financial and personal difficulties related to divorce and unemployment, which led him to use the invalid travelcard.
Bassong failed to respond to the initial prosecution notice sent to his north London address. The case was handled at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on October 30 under the Single Justice Procedure, which proceeds without a public hearing. Bassong did not enter a plea, and Magistrate Graham Burbage found him guilty, imposing fines and costs totaling £565.
Contrasting Incident with Football Career
This episode contrasts sharply with Bassong’s notable football career. He joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2009 for £8 million after impressing at Newcastle United. At Spurs, he scored on his debut against Liverpool and participated in UEFA Champions League matches. His time at Norwich City was also successful, earning him the club’s Player of the Season award in 2013.
Since retiring, Bassong has become a motivational speaker and coach, running a business focused on helping others achieve their potential. Despite this setback, he remains well-known among football fans, having earned 15 caps for Cameroon and played extensively in one of the world’s most-watched leagues.
Summary of the Case
- Offender: Sebastien Bassong
- Age: 40 years
- Offence: Using expired TfL staff nominee pass
- Location: St Paul’s station, London Underground
- Fare evaded: £7
- Fine and costs: £565
- Court: Wimbledon Magistrates Court
- Date of ruling: October 30
- Reason for use: Personal hardship – divorce and unemployment
