UK Edition
Premier League and EFL told to clamp down on 'exploitative' charges to season ticket holders
The Premier League and EFL faced calls on Wednesday night for a clampdown on "exploitative" extra charges for season ticket loan repayments after research revealed a gulf in rates for fans across the domestic game.
Fans of Arsenal, which has already set ticket prices amongst the highest in European football, regularly face administrative fees of around £40 for splitting season ticket costs over 10 months, according to a report.
Third party providers for Southampton, Liverpool, League One Scunthorpe United, and League Two Mansfield Town also charge over £30 in a list of fees compiled by credit report provider Noddle.co.uk. The fees are believed to be set by financial firms rather than the clubs, but campaigners last night called on governing bodies to ensure fans get a consistent deal.
Richard Caborn, the former Sports Minister, told Telegraph Sport: "This is not a market where you can vote with your feet - there is no consumer choice. If you are fan you are fan for life, and these unnecessary fees are exploitative. For a sport that does so well financially, there is a question of morality. The Premier League and EFL need to look at this and ensure fans get the same deals. Perhaps the Financial Services Authority might want to look too."
The fees are detailed on club websites, but can make confusing reading. When fees are projected as an overall representative APR rate, Preston North End fans come worse off - being quoted a rate of 36.33 per cent.
A club spokesman said last night: “Preston North End offers cash, debit or credit card payments - with no additional charges, or we provide an introduction to a third party finance company, who provide a finance option, at arms’ length from the club, this is not a transaction with the club or one where we receive any financial benefit.”
Nine Premier League football clubs raised their season ticket prices last season. Supporters of Tottenham, Fulham, West Ham, Wolves, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Watford, Cardiff City and Man City all faced inflation-busting hikes.
The cheapest ticket at Arsenal is £891, despite freezing prices after missing out on the Champions League. According to the research, a third (32 per cent) of supporters say they wouldn’t be able to buy a season ticket without a loan. More than half (52%) of supporters say they’ve been priced out of attending football matches, according to the research.
Jacqueline Dewey, managing director at Noddle.co.uk, said: “It’s clear fans should shop around before taking the offer from their club’s finance provider as the rates vary so widely. Using a loan eligibility checker will quickly tell you whether the rate on your season ticket loan is right for you, or not."
Arsenal were not immediately available for comment.