Liverpool FC’s Supporters’ Board has sent a letter to the club’s managing director, Andy Hughes, urging an immediate reduction in ticket prices for the 2025/26 season. The letter, which marks the beginning of fresh discussions regarding matchday costs, comes as the club prepares to meet with the board on Monday to address concerns over escalating prices. Fans are particularly worried that the club’s pricing strategy risks undermining the very essence of what makes Liverpool FC unique, even suggesting that it could eventually “kill the Kop.”
The letter, addressed to Mr. Hughes, stresses that Liverpool FC now faces a pivotal choice between prioritizing short-term financial gain and committing to the long-term preservation of the club’s cultural identity and connection with its fans. Liverpool has long been known for its loyal fanbase and the iconic atmosphere at Anfield, and the letter highlights how this relationship has been cultivated over decades. The supporters argue that this relationship should not be sacrificed in pursuit of financial growth, especially during a time of widespread economic hardship for many of the club’s matchgoing fans.
Consultations between Liverpool FC and its fan representatives have not occurred since April 2024, following a protest against a 2% increase in ticket prices. That protest, organized during a 3-0 Europa League defeat to Atalanta, saw supporters come together to express their dissatisfaction with the price hikes. At the time, the club’s management justified the increase, citing rising operational costs, particularly the dramatic rise in utility expenses. CEO Billy Hogan further explained that the club’s utility costs had surged by 100% in just one year. Despite these claims, the letter argues that the rise in ticket prices amounts to a negligible gain for the club when weighed against the long-term risks to its cultural identity.
The letter, which has been made available to the public, states: “Dear Andy, we write to you regarding the forthcoming discussions about ticket pricing at Liverpool Football Club. As representatives of the match-going community and many more supporters worldwide, we feel it is vital to emphasise the importance of preserving the identity, accessibility, and cultural significance of Liverpool FC for all its fans, at home and abroad.”
The supporters’ message stresses that Liverpool’s success has been driven by the special bond between the team and its fans. This bond, the letter argues, is what fuels the Anfield atmosphere and is central to the club’s global appeal. The letter also challenges the idea that increasing ticket prices is necessary for the club’s sustainability, especially when considering the many other revenue streams available to Liverpool FC. With a larger stadium, a more expansive corporate offering, and additional revenue from new TV rights deals and Champions League matches, the supporters believe the club can afford to reconsider its pricing strategy without sacrificing its cultural integrity.
The letter further emphasizes that football is not just a business but a community. Liverpool FC, based in Anfield, should remain accessible to the people who live in the local area, particularly those who have supported the club through thick and thin. The supporters argue that while other clubs may cater to wealthier fans, Liverpool should remain committed to serving its working-class roots and ensuring that attending matches remains affordable for local supporters. The letter continues by pointing out that the revenue from ticket price increases—especially for general admission and season ticket holders—represents only a small portion of the club’s overall income. The letter urges the club to consider the profound impact that continuous price hikes could have on its loyal fanbase, many of whom are already financially stretched.
The Supporters’ Board has called for ticket prices to be reduced for the 2025/26 season and has also asked for more meaningful engagement with fans in the future. They are advocating for a stronger recognition of supporters as the heart of Liverpool FC’s culture, with the firm belief that ongoing price increases will alienate the passionate fans who have helped to create the legendary atmosphere at Anfield. The fear is that these fans—many of whom have supported the club for generations—could be priced out, ultimately weakening the cultural fabric of the club and its iconic standing in the football world.
The issue of rising ticket prices and the resulting protests have been a significant concern for football fans across the country. On December 1, for instance, a protest campaign called #StopExploitingLoyalty was launched in response to rising ticket prices. This campaign gained traction at stadiums nationwide, with fans expressing their dissatisfaction with how clubs are taking their loyalty for granted. Liverpool FC is now facing the challenge of balancing its financial needs with its long-standing relationship with its supporters, and it remains to be seen whether the club will heed the call for action before next season.
CEO Billy Hogan has previously stated that the club carefully considers any ticket price increases, explaining that they were necessary due to rising operational costs. However, the supporters remain unconvinced, believing that the long-term costs of alienating loyal fans far outweigh any short-term financial gains. The coming discussions between Liverpool FC and its Supporters’ Board will likely determine the direction the club takes in the future, with supporters hoping for a decision that prioritizes culture, accessibility, and the loyal fanbase that has been central to the club’s success.
