Football fans have called for “fair shares” for the whole game from the new Football Association Premier League (FAPL) broadcasting contracts, including a ticket price freeze for match going fans and distribution of some of the income to the rest of the professional game.
Commenting on the new deal, Football Supporters' Federation* chair Malcolm Clarke (a Stoke City supporter) said, “Fans will welcome the increased support for the grass roots of the game which will flow from this deal. But where's the benefit for Football League and Conference clubs? What's in it for fans?
“If football is to survive and thrive as a whole there must be solidarity throughout the game. The FSF calls for a quarter of all broadcasting revenue to be pooled and shared throughout the game. This new deal gives the chance to make a start on that objective without taking away from the top clubs in revenue terms. We also need a new deal for fans too, many of whom face year on year ticket price rises, some way above inflation. A price freeze for fans would show the top clubs aren't just interested in milking every last penny out of them.”
“Football needs to tend to its grass-roots. That means looking after Football League and Conference clubs by ensuring they have the money they need to invest in better playing and coaching facilities. We'll be writing to the Premier League on this issue.”