Posted on 5th February 2016
This is a story from the FSF archive – the FSF and SD merged to become the FSA in 2019.
The FA has agreed to increase the number of FA Cup final tickets given to fans of competing finalists by 7,000.
This follows a campaign by supporter organisations led by the FSF. Last month we wrote to the FA alongside more than 90 fan groups from across the country, calling on the governing body to increase the number of FA Cup final tickets for fans of the two competing finalists.
Previously, only 25,000 of Wembley’s 90,000 seats were given to each competing team. This will now increase to 28,732 – an overall increase from 71% to 80% of available tickets.
FSF chairman Malcolm Clarke said: “We’re delighted the FSF campaign has delivered an increase in the proportion of FA Cup final tickets going to competing finalists from 71% to 80%.
“It’s good news for fans and is an improvement on what we had previously. The move recognises that the cup final is a unique experience and reward for the loyalty of those supporters.
“We’re grateful to the FA for listening to fans.”
The letter from fan groups had urged the FA to halve the number of the 40,000 tickets it distributed to the “football family” – the county FAs and volunteers who make up the amateur game.
FA Chairman Greg Dyke said: “Personally I supported the 80% option on the grounds that we should try to get as many tickets as possible to the season ticket holders of the two clubs.
“They, after all, have supported their clubs loyally throughout the years and this is their big moment”
One of the earliest advocates of this idea was Arsenal Supporters’ Trust who started the initiative of lobbying the FA on the matter.
The FSF would like to place on record our thanks to the AST and all fan groups who lent their support to the letter.
England fans have been reporting issues with the Women’s World Cup ticketing system all tournament, but thanks to work from the Free Lionesses team the vast majority of travelling England fans should make tomorrow’s semi-final.
Supporters from the men’s and women’s game who have been locked out of their team’s cup finals have taken to virtual ticket sales to raise money for good causes.
The problem with disappearing tickets has been widely reported and has been experienced by our England Fans’ Embassy team first hand.
Following on from months of work with fan reps across the EFL, the FSA is pleased to launch #TerraceTalk – a supporter-led mental health initiative.
