Manchester United Supporters Go to the Office of Fair Trading Over Ticket Prices

As the current global financial crisis tightens the purse strings, some Manchester United supporters have turned to the Office of Fair Trading to look into the 60% rise in some season ticket prices, and the compulsory "Automatic Cup Ticket Scheme" that's in place at Old Trafford.

Since Malcom Glazier took full control of Manchester United in 2005, match-going supporters have seen an incredible rise in some season ticket prices in the last three years, as well as a 41% increase in various single home game tickets.

The start of the 2004 season was watched by United season ticket holders in the Upper Centre of the North Stand at a cost of £532. At the start of the 2008 season the same seats cost supporters £912—with the cheapest season tickets coming in at a more respectable £494.

This price will not include the now compulsory Automatic Cup Ticket Scheme which, depending on cup progression, can add upto £504 to the original ticket price. The most expensive season ticket at Old Trafford will now cost loyal supporters £1414.

Although Portsmouth fans have seen an incredible 17.5% increase in their mid-range season tickets this season, the most expensive at Fratton Park costing £925, a reported 19 % of last years Manchester United season ticket holders are apparently not going to be renewing them for this season.

The Manchester United Supporters Trust have logged an official complaint with the Office of Fair Trading, claiming the season ticket terms and conditions at United are in breach of the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations Act.

They are also stating that the Manchester United compulsory Automatic Cup Ticket Scheme and their pricing policy is in breach of The Competition Act. 

A meeting will take place in Westminster on December 10th to look into the complaints logged with the Office of Fair Trading by the Manchester United Supporters Trust.

The Automatic Cup Ticket Scheme

The compulsory scheme at United apparently forces fans to buy the extra Cup package when renewing their season tickets—whether they can attend the games or not—otherwise they will not be able to renew their current tickets.

One supporter last season purchased his new season ticket in May, received his conformation of the purchase from the club and was told the tickets would be delivered shortly. He then reportedly received another letter from the club stating that he would not receive the paid for ticket, or could expect a refund, unless he signed up for the Automatic Cup Scheme.

The supporter refused to purchase the ACS tickets due to commitments limiting him from attending mid-week cup games and with the added fear of the unknown final ticket prices. Unwanted tickets can be resold via the clubs own special ticket system but crucially fans cannot sell their unwanted tickets until United have sold all of their own.

Some supporters are happy with the less-hassle system, meaning they do not have to spend time purchasing the extra tickets for Cup games. However, some supporters are disgusted with the idea of being forced to purchase the scheme and the refusal by the club to renew their season ticket if supporters refuse to sign up.

The system has been defended by the club and a revision of the scheme in January of this year by chief executive, David Gill, has seen an added option to opt out of Carling Cup games if preferred—an option that will also mean you will not be allowed to apply for away tickets—with the junior season ticket holders being able to refuse the cup scheme altogether.