An Irish supporter group, the Irish Football Supporters Partnership (IFSP), has criticised the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) for raising season ticket prices for men’s international games.
This week, it was announced that ticket prices have increased, and regular season ticket holders renewing this week are now required to pay 50% of the cost upfront within the next four weeks—without any knowledge of the teams Ireland will play next year.
The IFSP represents a committee consisting of the CRISC (Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs), YBIG Mandate, and ISN (Irish Supporters Network). It essentially serves as the body that nominates supporter representatives to the General Assembly of the FAI.
"The Irish Football Supporters Partnership (IFSP) expresses extreme disappointment with the recent announcement by the FAI regarding the increase in Men’s National Team (MNT) season ticket prices. During the consultation process, we repeatedly voiced our opposition to any price rise. However, it became increasingly apparent that the Association intended to proceed with the increase despite our objections."
The group also argued that increasing ticket prices is unreasonable given the current cost-of-living crisis.
Statement issued on behalf of the Irish Football Supporters Partnership (IFSP), which includes ISN, @CRISClubs and @YBIGmandate on ROI MNT 2025 season tickets pic.twitter.com/kuOaNcq4wLƒ
— Irish Supporters Network (@ISN_football) October 31, 2024
"Not only has a price increase been confirmed, but season ticket holders renewing this week are now required to pay 50% of the cost upfront within the next four weeks—without any knowledge of the teams Ireland will play next year. Given the time of year, the current economic climate, and the remaining two games in November (with additional associated expenses), this requirement is particularly unreasonable."
In the same statement, the group recognised that the FAI is in a precarious financial position due to previous mismanagement but claimed it was unfair to pass these issues onto supporters.
"We acknowledge the FAI’s need to address financial imbalances following years of mismanagement. However, it is unfair to place this burden on supporters—the lifeblood of Irish football. Ireland has one of the most consistent attendance rates in men’s international football, and accessible pricing plays a crucial role, especially in the face of significant cost-of-living increases affecting all of us."
The FAI has since responded to the statement via a spokesperson, claiming this was only the second change to the adult pricing model in the last decade and that the season ticket package still represents the best value for supporters looking to attend Ireland games.
“While 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," said the FAI spokesperson via the Mirror.
“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 the FIFA 2026 World Cup and UEFA EURO 2028 should we qualify.
“Renewals opened yesterday, and we’ve been delighted with the response so far from our supporters as we look forward to another big year of matches at the Aviva Stadium.”
In conclusion to their statement, the IFSP stated that it will gather feedback from members and supporters about their concerns and present them at the next meeting with the FAI.
"In response to these developments, our constituent groups will continue gathering feedback from members and supporters impacted by these price increases and changes. We aim to present these views in our next meeting with the decision-makers."
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