Fat cats access footy seats tickets for fraction of cost compared with fans

STATE Government bureaucrats have access to cheaper tickets to the footy than the general public in a sweetheart deal struck by the AFL.

The AFL has been urged to make reserved seats cheaper for ordinary fans after confirming it regularly passed on premium seats to a commercial partner, to be sold at a fraction of the face value.

Prime seats at the MCG and Etihad Stadium, which cost fans $54, are being sold for $31 to members of a rewards scheme recently probed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

Several government departments confirmed public servants qualified for AFL reserved seat savings via social club memberships with My Rewards and its affiliate Pegasus Group.

AFL Fans Association presi- dent Gerry Eeman said shortchanged supporters would be unhappy they paid more than others to secure seats.

“Reduced prices are always welcome; however, we much prefer when reductions are made available to all,’’ Mr Eeman said.

“A lot of fans won’t appreci- ate knowing that there is a parallel pricing system that they can’t access.”

The AFL’s Jay Allen said clubs were no worse off from the deal.

“The AFL have commercial partnerships in place to engage new audiences, build the match-day experience and get as many fans to games as possible,’’ Mr Allen said. “These partnerships do not affect any club ticketing allocation.’’

It is believed the AFL was unaware of last year’s ASIC charges and fines against My Rewards International until contacted. My Rewards International did not return calls.