And while the Irish Football Supporters Partnership (IFSP) are unhappy at the price hike, they have also criticised a new system for season tickets where 50% of the cost has to be paid up front before the draw has been made for next year’s World Cup qualifiers meaning fans have no idea which teams Ireland will be playing and when.
Supporters have also stated their unhappiness with the weighted points system for attending matches, with more priority for major tournament tickets now given to those to attend home games than those who travel to away matches.
In response, the FAI have defended the increase by saying it’s only the second rise in the adult ticket pricing system in a decade and that the season ticket package “continues to represent the best value for supporters to watch every match next year”.
“Irish Football Supporters Partnership (IFSP) is extremely disappointed with the MNT season ticket price increases announced by the FAI this week. When consulted by the Association, we have repeatedly stated our opposition to any price rises. During the consultation process, it became increasingly clear to us that the Association was determined to press ahead with increases regardless of our objections,” said a statement issued today by IFSP, whose committee is drawn from member of fan groups like You Boys In Green Mandate, Irish Supporters Network and the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs (CRISCC). It is also the body that that nominates supporter representatives to the General Assembly of the Football Association of Ireland.
“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 4 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 have been advised that the current away ticket allocation system remains unchanged, but we strongly urge that the allocation system is revisited in advance of merging any new home and away points systems, with a comprehensive consultation process to outline the most transparent and fairest way forward.
“Additionally, the FAI have sought to force all supporters to purchase season tickets through their chosen platform, Ticketmaster, as individuals rather than through clubs or others who have managed multiple tickets on single accounts. This is of huge concern to CRISC whose 28 clubs purchased circa 1,500 Season Tickets this year on behalf of their members.
“Forcing members of supporters clubs to deal individually with Ticketmaster could have a devastating impact on many long-running national team Supporters Clubs. We are also concerned about inclusion of those without digital literacy, as clubs have performed this function on behalf of their members for many years now.
“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.
“Given these developments, our constituent groups will continue to seek the views of their members and any supporters impacted by these increases and changes before meeting again to consider our further response and next steps”.
In a statement issued to the Irish Independent, the FAI said: “The Football Association of Ireland has this week opened our Season Ticket renewal window for the 2025 season, which includes our FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign next year at the Aviva Stadium.
“Whilst the pricing model for the 2025 Season Ticket has been modified to reflect an increase in overall costs, this is only the second change to the adult pricing model in the last decade with our long-term season ticket holders. The Season Ticket package continues to represent the best value for supporters to watch every match next year, with the average cost of a match for an adult starting from €30 and juniors starting at €18.
“We’ve also introduced a new Loyalty Supporter Scheme to reward supporters for their support of Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side with points accrued set to improve supporters’ chances of securing tickets to major tournaments, including FIFA 2026 World Cup and UEFA EURO 2028 should we qualify.”