English top-flight extend cap of £30 for fans going to away matches

Premier League clubs have voted unanimously to extend the £30 away ticket price cap for three more seasons.

The agreement on the cap, which has been in place since the start of the 2016-17 season, came at a meeting of shareholders of the 20 top-flight clubs in London yesterday.

A statement by the Premier League said: “All clubs know thecrucialimportanceofaway fans in generating the best possible atmosphere at matches, and recognise the additional travel costs often involved when following a team away from home.

“The £30 away ticket cap was introduced in season 201617, following the successful implementation of the Premier League Away Supporters’ Initiative which saw clubs provide a range of measures for their away fans.

“For four consecutive seasons, Premier League crowds have reached record levels with 96 per cent of tickets sold. This is testament to the compelling football and dedication of fans, and the league is committed to maintaining these high attendances.”

The renewal of the measure has been welcomed by the Football Supporters’ Federation – even if it feels more can be done.

FSF chief executive Kevin Miles said: “We welcome the Premier League’s recognition of the importance of the £30 away cap and back its decision to keep the cap in place for the coming seasons.

“We have always argued that away supporter attendance needs to be encouraged if the atmosphere and spectacle of a live football match is to be sustained.

“There had been a rapid rise in away ticket costs for many supporters and the cap put a halt on that. However, we still believe more can be done and we call on the Premier League to look at ways to further reduce concessionary ticket costs and subsidise fans’ travel costs when games are moved for TV.”