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31st October 2024
05:42pm GMT
An Irish football supporters group have criticised the FAI for increasing the season ticket prices for international matches in 2025.
The FAI recently announced that 50 percent of the cost of each new ticket must be paid within the next four weeks, as well as the introduction of a new points system for allocating major tournament tickets.
This new system would grant greater preference to home attendance over away games, another measure the Irish Football Supporters Partnership declared a strong opposition to.
A statement from the organisation, shared on the You Boys In Green fan forum today, reads: "Irish Football Supporters Partnership (IFSP) is extremely disappointed with the MNT season ticket price increases announced by the FAI this week. When consulted by the Association, we have repeatedly stated our opposition to any price rises. During the consultation process, it became increasingly clear to us that the Association was determined to press ahead with increases regardless of our objections.
The statement continued: "Not only has a price increase now been confirmed, but season ticket holders renewing this week are required to pay 50% of the cost up front within the next 4 weeks without any idea which teams Ireland will play next year. This is unreasonable not only because of the time of year and the economic situation, but we still have two games to play in November with further significant expenses to afford for those attending.
"We are also disappointed with the details of the new points system for major tournaments, which sees the points for attending home games being double that awarded for away games," they added. "We strongly argued that, at the very least, the same points should be awarded regardless of a game being home or away but, again, our collective view was ignored. We have been advised that the current away ticket allocation system remains unchanged, but we strongly urge that the allocation system is revisited in advance of merging any new home and away points systems, with a comprehensive consultation process to outline the most transparent and fairest way forward.
"Additionally, the FAI have sought to force all supporters to purchase season tickets through their chosen platform, Ticketmaster, as individuals rather than through clubs or others who have managed multiple tickets on single accounts. This is of huge concern to CRISC whose 28 clubs purchased circa 1,500 Season Tickets this year on behalf of their members. Forcing members of supporters clubs to deal individually with Ticketmaster could have a devastating impact on many long-running national team Supporters Clubs. We are also concerned about inclusion of those without digital literacy, as clubs have performed this function on behalf of their members for many years now.
"We recognise that the FAI faces a need to rebalance finances following years of mismanagement; however, it is not appropriate to place this burden on supporters who are the lifeblood of the game. Ireland has one of the most consistent attendances in men’s international football and accessible pricing is a critical factor, especially at a time when all of us are faced by significant and continuing cost-of-living increases in everyday life.
"Given these developments, our constituent groups will continue to seek the views of their members and any supporters impacted by these increases and changes before meeting again to consider our further response and next steps."
The group acts as an umbrella body that brings together the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs (CRISC), You Boys In Green Independent Mandate (YBIG Mandate), and the Irish Supporters Network (ISN), and represents these organisation's interests at the FAI's General Assembly.
The season ticket gives holders entry to all home men’s national team games in 2025, as well as access to apply for international tournaments such as the 2026 World Cup and Euro 2028.
The FAI defended the increases as “only the second change to the adult pricing model in the last decade”, stating it continues to represent the best value for supporters.
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