Source: Eurosport
United end controversial ticket offer
Current Premier League champions Manchester United are to scrap their 'One-Year' season ticket.
The Red Devils have taken the decision following discussions with the Office of Fair Trading into their sale and the fact United cannot guarantee holders of the tickets will be able to gain entry into cup matches.
United launched the tickets in 2006, offering supporters who were not already season ticket holders the chance to secure a seat for one season only, knowing they had no rights to keep it. Entry into cup matches could never be guaranteed due to the differing size of away allocations.
However, United feel the outcome of their meetings with the OFT has left them little alternative other than to scrap the scheme, which they will do at the end of the season.
In making their original submissions to the OFT, it was never the intention of the Manchester United Supporters Trust to force such a move.
Their aim was to undermine the controversial automatic cup scheme, under which United season ticket holders must commit to purchasing tickets for all cup games, without knowing how many games there would be, or who the opposition would be.
United did eventually exclude Carling Cup matches from the list but claim many supporters prefer the present system for buying cup tickets rather than having to apply on an individual match-by-match basis, as used to be the case.
In reaching today's conclusion, the OFT have declared an investigation of the ACS would not represent a wise use of resources, although they will examine any evidence put forward that has not previously been seen.
"This is a significant victory for supporters and we welcome the changes secured to season ticket terms and conditions and the commitment to ongoing monitoring to ensure they are operated fairly in future," said MUST chief executive Duncan Drasdo.
However, Red Devils officials have reacted calmly having, as directed, amended their working practices to ensure there is greater clarity over their season ticket sales.
Also, an appeals procedure is now in place when tickets have been terminated for non-payment in relation to cup matches.
"We are very pleased that a season ticket will continue to include cup matches," said United chief operating officer Michael Bollingbroke.
"That is central to our strategy and we have made the necessary changes for next season to avoid the situation where holders of 'One Year' season tickets were not guaranteed tickets for some cup games.
"While the number potentially affected was small, we accept that all season tickets should come with that guarantee in future.
"Most of the other changes to terms and conditions reflect existing practice, but their inclusion in the terms provides fans with greater reassurance and transparency.
"This is good news for the club and for season ticket holders."
