A number of Irish football supporters groups have criticised the FAI for the decision to raise season ticket prices for the men’s international team.
Renewals for season tickets have already gone live ahead of the 2025 schedule which will include the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Despite the draw for said campaign not being held until mid-December, the association has already put out the calls for renewals through Ticketmaster.
Season ticket prices have been increased for 2025, with fans paying up despite not yet knowing who the Boys in Green will be playing next year.
Fans have to fork out 50% of the total fee in the next four weeks at a time when supporters are already paying up for the away trip for the Nations League clash with England in just over two weeks’ time.
Irish Football Supporters Partnership (IFSP) – a collective representing the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs, YBIG Mandate, and Irish Supporters Network groups – have released a lengthy statement noting they are ‘extremely disappointed’ with the latest round of season tickets.
Alongside the price increase, the FAI have also introduced a points scheme ahead of Ireland co-hosting Euro 2028.
The fan groups, however, have hit out at the scheme scheme which prioritises fans attending home matches at the Aviva Stadium rather than those who travel abroad for away ties.
‘When consulted by the association, we have repeatedly stated our opposition to any price rises,’ the IFSP said in the statement. ‘During the consultation process, it became increasingly clear to us that the association was determined to press ahead with increases regardless of our objections.’
‘Not only has a price increase now been confirmed, but season ticket holders renewing this week are required to pay 50% of the cost up front within the next four weeks without any idea which teams Ireland will play next year.
‘This is unreasonable not only because of the time of year and the economic situation, but we still have two games to play in November with further significant expenses to afford for those attending
‘We are also disappointed with the details of the new points system for major tournaments, which sees the points for attending home games being double that awarded for away games.’
‘We strongly argued that, at the very least, the same points should be awarded regardless of a game being home or away but, again, our collective view was ignored.
‘We recognise that the FAI faces a need to rebalance finances following years of mismanagement; however, it is not appropriate to place this burden on supporters who are the lifeblood of the game.
‘Ireland has one of the most consistent attendances in men’s international football and accessible pricing is a critical factor, especially at a time when all of us are faced by significant and continuing cost-of-living increases in everyday life.’