The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust today urged the club’s chief executive Ivan Gazidis to lobby for a share of the Premier League’s new television deal to go towards fairer ticket prices.
Working under the banner of the Football Supporters Federation, Trusts at a host of clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool have come together to demand matchday going fans benefit from the new £5.14billion agreement which begins next season.
That figure is expected to rise to more than £8bn once overseas rights are added and the group is calling for a freeze on ticket prices for all three years of the new TV contract, £1m set aside for an Away Supporter’s Initiative fund, the end of away matchday categorisation and a cap on away ticket prices and price reductions for supporters aged 18-21.
In an open letter to Gazidis, the AST demanded he raise and vote for this motion at the Premier League meeting next week.
“At a meeting of all Premier League clubs in March 2015 it was agreed that a total of at least £1bn from the total £5.14bn sale of UK live rights will be shared beyond the Premier League in the 2016/17-2018/19 period,” it read.
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“This would include investing in 'Fan engagement and matchday experience'. We welcome this and thank you for backing this policy. The cost of football tickets has been keenly and publicly debated for some time, and we believe you have the opportunity to take practical action to address supporter concerns and send out a positive message about the responsible way the Premier League is utilising the additional TV windfall to engage with supporters and invest in the long-term future of the game.”
Arsenal announced earlier this month that the will freeze all general admission, club level and matchday tickets for next season.
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