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Fan Groups Urge Boycott Over Ticket Pricing Issues
In a notable move, supporter groups have called on fans to boycott the first nine minutes of Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League match against Leicester City on April 2, emphasizing the message that “football without fans is nothing.” This demonstration is intended to highlight longstanding grievances related to ticket pricing.
Following an open letter signed by seven supporter groups demanding changes to ticket prices, the statement indicated that Manchester City has not yet responded, despite the letter being delivered over seven weeks ago. This lack of communication has led to increased frustration among fans.
Amid these ongoing concerns, Manchester City has yet to announce its season ticket price structure for the 2025-26 season. The club’s fan advisory board, City Matters, had previously taken a stand by striking for several weeks due to insufficient engagement with fans on ticket pricing issues. In response to this situation, an extraordinary meeting has been scheduled for April 3.
City Matters chair Alex Howell expressed deep concern over the club’s recent announcement of a partnership with Viagogo, a ticket resale platform. “To enter into a partnership with a platform renowned for price gouging feels incredibly tone-deaf, especially given the mounting public concern,” Howell stated, underscoring the growing discontent among supporters.
Manchester City has previously approved resale agreements with a total of eight companies, and Viagogo has been designated as an official partner, granting it specific promotional and advertising rights. Howell pointed out that many clubs opt to utilize their own in-house ticket resale systems, enabling fans to transfer tickets at the original face value. “The need to engage with a third-party company that thrives on inflating prices for profits is puzzling,” he noted, suggesting a disconnect between club policies and fan interests.
This season, City fans have participated in broader protests about ticket prices, coordinated by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA). The FSA has voiced that it is inherently unfair for supporters to face penalties for reselling tickets at face value, while the club maintains ties with companies focused on maximizing profits.
Despite these criticisms, Manchester City has stated that tickets sold via Viagogo will come exclusively from their hospitality ticket allocation and will adhere to a fixed price cap, avoiding dynamic pricing practices. However, regulatory bodies have expressed caution; in 2021, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority called for stricter regulations on ticket resale companies like Viagogo, and a recent UK government consultation aims to implement price caps on resale tickets.
In an earlier interview, Viagogo’s CEO Cris Miller argued that many fans prefer purchasing tickets through the platform, claiming it offers a “secure, safe transaction.” Yet, the ongoing discourse suggests a rift between fan expectations and the commercial strategies employed by clubs and resale platforms.
As of now, Manchester City has not issued a public statement regarding the current controversy when approached for comment.
The conversation around ticket pricing and fan engagement continues, with many supporters eager for resolution as they gear up for the upcoming match.
Source
www.bbc.com