Following the meeting last week between senior FA executives and fan representatives from the teams competing in this season’s FA Cup semi-finals regarding ticket pricing for the semi-finals and final, the FA has confirmed a number of changes to its previous approach.
- Concessionary tickets will now be charged at £25 off the full adult rate for categories A and B for this year’s final. Concessions for categories C and D remain at £10 off the full adult rate.
- The FA has committed to review the price bandings behind the goals in Level 1 of Wembley stadium, in collaboration with fan representatives, for the 2018-19 semi-finals and final in recognition of the contribution fans in those areas make to the spectacle and atmosphere.
- There is a commitment to evaluate the feasibility of introducing a more accessibly priced family area for the 2018-19 semi-finals and final.
- The FA has committed to keep prices in line with inflation until 2021.
The movement on concessions for this year’s final is to be welcomed, as is the commitment to address the wider issues we raised ahead of next year’s competition. We are obviously disappointed that the other decisions taken for this year’s competition will stand, meaning fans face significantly higher costs. And while the pledge to keep future price increases below RPI until 2021 is progress, we still believe tickets are priced too high and that ticket price inflation has been too steep. The FA’s income from sponsorship and broadcasting linked to the FA Cup will increase significantly from 2018-19 and we expect to see some of that invested in loyal fans whose support is vital for the spectacle that those sponsors and broadcasters are investing in.
Football ticket pricing is not an ordinary competitive market. It is a monopoly and the FA, as the game’s regulatory body, should be setting an example by rewarding fans’ loyalty.
What we are encouraged by is the FA’s acknowledgement that this year’s decisions should not have been taken without proper consultation with supporters. And so we welcome the commitment to discuss pricing for subsequent competitions properly with supporter groups.
The test of that commitment will come as discussions play out. The FA now has the chance to set the standard for genuine consultation that enhances the reputation of the FA Cup, a competition fans continue to hold dear.
Chelsea Supporters’ Trust
Manchester United Supporters’ Trust
Southampton Fan Groups
Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust
If you are able to, we would be grateful if supporters could consider donating to the collection, which will be located at the cfcuk stall, before the match, opposite the Fulham Broadway Shopping Centre on the Fulham Road. Whilst all donations will be gratefully received, the Foodbank is in particular need of the following items:
Pat Nevin is one of Chelsea’s most loved former players and graced the Stamford Bridge pitch with his style and flair in the 1980’s. 
The Agenda covered subjects uppermost in Chelsea Supporters minds including the issue of Kick-Off times and their re-scheduling for TV covered by Tim Rolls. In addition Ramzi Shammas discussed the recent Annual Survey and plans for the survey next year; Cliff Auger discussed supporters issues and the recent unveiling of the Jack Whitley Memorial and plans for further work with Brompton Cemetery and Henry Fowler presented an update on our efforts with the campaign for Safe Standing.