Posted on 11th February 2025
Surge pricing: Parliament calls for evidence
The Business and Trade Committee is seeking evidence from the public on the issue of surge pricing – sometimes known as dynamic or variable pricing – as it continues its investigation into the practice.
FSA chair Tom Greatrex appeared before the committee in Parliament last week to outline fan concerns that clubs could use dynamic pricing to drive up costs and exploit supporter loyalty.
While not yet common in British football, surge pricing has been introduced in La Liga in Spain and some international tournaments, such as the upcoming Club World Cup. Football supporters may be familiar with the practice from other events such as music concerts.
Greatrex warned MPs that surge pricing in football could be another avenue where clubs – who are monopoly suppliers – can extract further revenues from loyal supporters.
“I’m not going to start supporting Brentford instead of Fulham because their tickets are cheaper. So that’s why it feels like exploitation – we’ve seen a reduction and removal of concessions and dynamic pricing feels like another tool that could be used to maximise revenue from supporters.
“The loyalty of longstanding supporters will end up being priced out, particularly at London clubs, where one-off visitors and tourists who want to see a Premier League game [would be willing to pay a lot more] to the detriment of loyal fans who keep clubs going in the tough times.”
The Trade and Business Committee, as part of its “Rip-off Britain: Dynamic pricing and consumer protection” session, are now seeking evidence from the public and other stakeholders.
They are interested in hearing the reasons behind the use of surge pricing, the impacts on vulnerable groups, impact on consumer choice, how effective existing price regulations are and the potential outcomes surge pricing could have on the wider UK economy.
The deadline for submitting evidence has been extended to Monday 17th February and you can take part here.
