We acknowledge the recent announcement about the ticketing details for the 2025/26 season following conclusion of the consultation process with the Fan Advisory Board (FAB). We note that adult prices are rising by 5%. This should not be seen in isolation but in the context of significant increases across the last three seasons and a season where the club has seen record revenue, especially driven by our Champions League campaign. It appears we are having to pay for the financial restrictions the club is having to operate within.
In our open letter to the club last February, we strongly advocated for a price freeze, emphasising the financial pressures faced by many of our fans who have consistently shown their loyalty and commitment, especially during challenging times.
We do recognise and appreciate the club’s initiative to freeze ticket prices for Under-21s and below. Encouraging younger fans to be part of the matchday experience is vital for the future of our club. However, this does not mitigate the impact of the price increase on the broader fan base. Those affected by the seat realignment, including concessions at the start of the 2024/25 season, will be facing double-digit increases.
We welcome the changes to the resale scheme, including the removal of the 20% administration fee and the new facility to share tickets with friends and family. These improvements will undoubtedly enhance the flexibility and accessibility of attending matches, making it easier for supporters to manage their tickets.
Furthermore, we are pleased to hear that domestic cup prices will remain frozen. This decision is a positive step towards ensuring that all fans can continue to support the team in important cup fixtures without added financial burden.
On the Europa League pricing, we acknowledge the reduction compared to last season’s Champions League prices as a welcome move. However, we note that the Europa League does not carry the same level of glamour or prestige, and the attractiveness of attending home matches will largely depend on the calibre of opposition we are drawn against. Last season, in the group phase we were fortunate to host high-profile fixtures such as Bayern Munich, Juventus, and an all-British tie with Celtic. Whether next season’s pricing delivers value will ultimately be subject to the quality of the matchday experience and the teams we face.
We understand the club works within the constraints of Profit and Sustainability Rules, which are often cited in discussions around financial decisions. Fans are increasingly reminded of these rules when asked to shoulder further cost increases, and we believe more can be done to strike a fairer balance between compliance and affordability.