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Posted on 25th March 2020
The FSA exists to represent the interests of football supporters across England and Wales, and we’ll continue to do that during the COVID-19 pandemic despite the lack of football.
With the season suspended until at least the end of April, fans have been left with many questions. At present the football authorities are, understandably, focusing on public health and seeking solutions to completing the season.
In the longer term of course there will be discussions around these matters with the clubs and leagues. The financial future of our clubs is central to everyone’s concerns.
We wouldn’t pretend to have all the answers, but we encourage fans to contact us with questions they may have relating to consumer issues and associated concerns around the conclusion of the current season, and we’ll put those to the authorities at an appropriate time.
Already we’ve heard from supporters of clubs who have put season ticket renewals and payments on hold – and it’s something we’d like to know more about. So if you have any questions about travel, tickets or anything else – drop us line.
Common questions we’ve had already:
I’ve booked train travel for an away game that isn’t taking place – can I get a refund?
Yes – all train operating companies are now offering refunds on pre-booked travel. Check out our travel page to get in touch with the relevant train companies.
Will my club take money out of my account for season ticket renewals?
A number of clubs have said they are putting season ticket renewals on hold – but some fans are telling us that money for next season is still being taken out of their accounts. Contact your club for clarification as there does not appear to be a consistent approach by clubs at the moment.
I bought a matchday ticket for a game that isn’t taking place, what should I do with it?
Most clubs are saying that tickets bought for a match will be valid for the rearranged fixture. So the best thing to do is to hold on to match tickets for now. If you have any other questions, speak to your club’s SLO.
When will the season resume?
Unfortunately we don’t have the answer to that. Elite football in the men’s and women’s game is currently suspended until 30th April at the earliest.
Steps 3 to 6 of non-league (which are divisions upto and including the Northern Premier, Southern and Isthmian Leagues, comprising almost 900 clubs) have announced that their seasons are to end immediately. The FA Leagues Committee will meet to decide whether to award promotion/relegation based on points-per-game or whether to declare the seasons null and void.
What help is there for lower league and non-league clubs?
We have produced guidance for our community owned club network – it covers some business and operational information, including details of the various government schemes that clubs can avail themselves of to reduce cashflow pressures, as well as legal and HR guidance from our partners at Gateley. It will doubtless be useful to clubs throughout the lower leagues, and can be found here.
What are the FSA doing?
Similar to everyone else during the lockdown, our activity is significantly curtailed. However we’re still working on a number of projects to help supporters.
We’re also continuing to speak to the football authorities where possible, such as the FA, EFL and Premier League, so we can continue to advise fans about what’s happening. We’ll also be relaying supporters’ concerns to the powers that be – putting the questions you submit to them directly.
Any other questions? Get in touch with us.
These are unprecedented times and no single organisation has all the answers. However, we are very keen to hear from fans so we can collate the most important questions for the football leagues and authorities and an appropriate time.
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