Football Supporters’ Federation to hand over an open letterThe Football Supporters’ Federation will stage a demonstration outside Thursday’s Premier League shareholders meeting, delivering an open letter making the case for cuts in ticket prices in light of its recent £5.1bn TV deal.
The 20 top-flight clubs, meeting for the first time since the Premier League unveiled a record £5.14bn contract for domestic live rights alone, will be asked to significantly reduce prices for match-going fans.
A group of fans will make their point outside the meeting, which will also be attended by the FA chairman Greg Dyke, before representatives from supporters’ groups hand over the letter.
The FSF argues that supporters are vital to the appeal of the Premier League and that the increase in domestic revenues alone equates to £40 for every single ticket for every single match.
“The passion, enthusiasm and loyalty demonstrated by fans getting behind their team is vital to the atmosphere at games – a crucial component of the spectacle for which the broadcasters have once again paid so handsomely,” says the letter. “The commitment and contribution of fans to the professional game needs to be valued and rewarded, not just exploited.”
The letter, signed by fans’ groups from each of the 20 top-flight clubs, argues that supporters are the only constituency who have failed to benefit from ever spiralling TV contracts. The next deal could reach £8.5bn over three seasons once international sales are taken into account.
In the letter, the FSF argues that clubs should use the money to look to the future and nurture future generations of fans. “Crowds are getting older, and if young fans are priced out during those formative years they may never get the bug for attending football matches,” it says.
“Football is a unique business. Clubs are named after the community from which they were born and owe that same community a debt; there is a deep bond between fan and club that can transcend generations. That loyalty is a precious thing; it should be cherished and valued, not taken for granted or exploited.”
Specifically, the FSF is calling for an enhanced version of the current away fans’ fund launched last season. It estimates £1m per club per season would be enough to reduce prices to around £20 per ticket for away fans.
It is also calling for an end to match-categorisation for away fans, with all supporters to pay the equivalent of category C prices.
The FSF chief executive Kevin Miles argued that some of the increased TV income should be used to cover reduced ticket prices and also to boost the amount of money redistributed further down the pyramid.
“Football has never had more money yet fans can still face absurd prices while further down the pyramid clubs struggle to survive and grassroots football is under resourced,” said Miles. “During the past 20 years football has been flooded with money, delivering huge reward for owners, agents, and players. This time we want to see fans benefit too.
“This colossal TV deal gives clubs a tremendous opportunity to give something back – they can easily afford to drop ticket prices and make football affordable for all.”
By Owen Gibson / Guardian 
