Keith Wyness: ‘Every club’ to follow Fulham in ‘taking advantage’ of fans
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed “every club” will follow Fulham in hiking home ticket prices.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted the anger around increased prices is “boiling up to a big issue” in English football.
Fulham have faced criticism for charging between £150-160 for adult tickets in their new Riverside Stand for their game against Arsenal on 8 December.
Fans of the club protested increasing prices last season by holding up yellow cards during home matches at their historic stadium, which has had a facelift in recent years.
Clubs like Tottenham and Wolves have drawn the ire of their supporters for increasing prices for youth and senior tickets this term.
Newcastle, Man United and Everton are among the established Premier League clubs set to expand their capacity in the coming seasons.
‘Every club’ to hike ticket prices as Fulham charge £150+, says Wyness
When asked if other clubs could follow Fulham’s example, Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I’m afraid so.
“Every club is going to have to go after these revenue pockets.
“This is the most variable area annually in terms of revenue.
“We’re going to see more use of stadiums, more corporate hospitality, more work to bring in multi-use areas.
“That’s just the way every owner will try and extract the maximum value they can.
“There will come a point where the campaign from fans gain traction. It’s coming to a head, but it’s not there yet.
“If teams are doing well, then fans want to see those wins.
“It’s boiling up to a big issue. Every part of life, costs are increasing – and the fans feel they are being taken advantage of.”
In other news, Man United and Liverpool race to sign Fulham star, says insider.
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