A 10 per cent season ticket relegation refund should be put into Leeds United supporters’ pockets now and not if the club falls into the Championship. That’s the view of Leeds United Supporters’ Trust, which has also questioned the lack of discussion between Elland Road's top brass and the fans before today’s price hike was finalised.
On Monday, the Whites announced their intention to push season ticket prices up by 10 per cent next season, with that addition given back to fans in the event of relegation. The club cited a significant increase in matchday operational costs, energy bills and a need to run the club’s finances responsibly as reasons for a second hike in 12 seasons.
The trust, an independent, democratic voice for fans, expressed a general disappointment in today’s announcement, which amounts to a 20 per cent increase across two years. Supporters’ increased financial pressures elsewhere, the club's increased revenue streams and a dire set of results since August 2021 also made the announcement smart.
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The statement said: “The trust is disappointed to learn the club has decided to increase the price of season tickets by 10 per cent for the 2023/24 season. This increase is unwelcome at a time when many fans will be experiencing increased financial pressures in other areas of their lives, and unjustified given the club's increasing revenue streams, coupled with poor results on the pitch.
“The club has raised season ticket prices by more than 20 per cent over the past two seasons and, while we acknowledge and appreciate the club's substantial first-team investment and a need to address higher operating costs and inflation, this price increase is a significant one for supporters. We do applaud the fact junior season tickets remain among the cheapest in the Premier League and hope this continues beyond next season.
“We note the club has announced supporters can claim a rebate of the 10 per cent increase if the team gets relegated. We question why the club cannot put this money back into fans' pockets now when they need it the most.
“Additionally, we would like clarification on whether this rebate will be issued as club credit or a cash refund. We believe an increase in ticket pricing is the type of issue that should be discussed with and inputted on by fans before any final decision is taken.
“We are always open to working with the club to collate members' feedback to help inform future decisions.”
Earlier in the day, United said: “We appreciate any increase in the current economic climate is unwelcome, particularly when it coincides with poor performance on the pitch.
“The decision has not been taken lightly, but we believe the new pricing is consistent with both our principle of running the club’s finances responsibly and maintaining our commitment to affordable football at Elland Road. Our prices will remain among the cheapest in the Premier League.”
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