Seven Manchester City supporter groups send letter to chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak over ticket policy and season ticket prices | OneFootball

A number of major Manchester City supporter groups have come together to sign a letter sent to the club’s chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak over tickets and season tickets.

The open letter issued to the club on Thursday morning complains about Manchester City’s rising ticket prices and the prospect of local fans being frozen out due to the continually increasing costs.

The letter was also addressed to a number of key Manchester City staff members including chief executive officer Ferran Soriano, as fan groups point out that with the exception of COVID-19 affected year, Manchester City has made a profit ‘each season since 2014/15.

As part of the letter, the group have called for renewed dialogue from Manchester City ahead of the season ticket renewal window, having presented their own proposals to the club in the final months of 2024.

“We believe that there is no longer a balance in the club’s season ticket policies,” says the letter.

“As a consequence of everything noted previously, many Manchester City supporters may be priced out of supporting their side due to the club’s ticketing policy decisions – whether through financial hardship or that they simply deem a season card no longer value for money. Some have already suffered this fate. This is an extremely difficult decision for individuals to make.

“The club are quick to emphasise their connection to Manchester. In our most recent annual report, chief executive Ferran Soriano spoke to his love for the city of Manchester. We are asking that we do not lose that link. After all, what is this club without Manchester? Even our nickname – the Citizens – is in reference to our Mancunian roots.

“By making it practically impossible to obtain a standard season ticket, ticketing policy decision makers at Manchester City are severing the generational link between fans and their club.”

The letter stresses the important factor of Manchester City have recorded profits in excess of £70 million in the last two seasons, stating that the organisation simply does not need to “extract excessive and ever-increasing revenue from loyal supporters”.

The letter continues, “It would be remiss not to recognise the need for the club to operate on sustainable financial footing. However, we do not believe this to be a binary choice between protecting supporters and financial sustainability.

“Club accounts show profitability in each season since 2014/15 – with the notable exception of 2019/20 which was curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic. In each of the last two seasons, the club has made profit in excess of £70 million.

“In this instance, we believe that you can have your cake and eat it. We do not need to extract excessive and ever-increasing revenue from loyal supporters.”

The seven supporter groups insist upon their hope that measures proposed by City Matters will be implemented by the club, although make clear their concern over “limited meaningful dialogue” since October over season tickets.

“We are hopeful that the club will implement the measures proposed by City Matters,” it is said.

“However, despite brief high-level comments at the Fan Advisory Board meeting in October, we are concerned that limited meaningful dialogue has taken place between supporters and the club on season tickets.

“We note with particular alarm that last season’s renewal information was announced in March 2024. A similar timeline this season would leave only a short timeframe for appropriate input.”

This is a breaking story. More to follow.