Could football finally get affordable? MPs demand a £30 cap on away tickets!

Labour MPs push for £30 cap on away match tickets

In a bold move to make football more affordable for working fans, Labour MPs Luke Charters (York Outer) and Amanda Milling (Portsmouth North) have launched a campaign demanding that away ticket prices across all levels of English football be capped at £30. While the Premier League introduced a £30 limit in 2016–17, the Football League and National League have no such cap, leading to escalating costs for supporters on the move.

Premier League vs. lower divisions

Since 2016–17, Premier League clubs have been required to charge no more than £30 for away tickets. That commitment was extended into the 2025–26 season, yet Championship, League One, League Two and National League clubs continue to set prices freely—often significantly above the £30 threshold. Labour MPs argue this creates a two-tier system where lower-league fans pay disproportionately more.

Triggering example: Birmingham fans face inflated charges

The issue was thrust into the spotlight when Birmingham City supporters discovered they would be charged £45 for an adult ticket—and £35 for under-18s—at their upcoming match away at Coventry City. Outrage over that single fixture highlighted the wider problem facing fans who already shoulder travel, food and drink expenses to follow their teams across the country.

Quotes from the campaigners

• Luke Charters: “No club from the Premier League to the National League should charge more than £30 for an away ticket. Fans work hard all week and deserve fair prices.”
• Amanda Milling: “Portsmouth supporters have stuck with their club through thick and thin. They shouldn’t be penalised by eye-watering ticket prices.”

Both MPs emphasise that a cap is not an interference in club finances but a necessary reform to protect the “grafters” who fill the terraces.

Economic and social considerations

Football remains one of the most social and community-driven sports in the UK, yet many fans now find themselves priced out of supporting their team on the road. The cost of an away match can quickly climb well beyond £100 once travel and refreshments are included. Labour MPs warn that unchecked price rises risk alienating a core supporter base, undermining gate receipts and eroding football’s grassroots ethos.

Football Governance Act and fan engagement

The government’s recent Football Governance Act obliges clubs to engage with their fanbase on issues such as ticket pricing. Labour champions say that by codifying a cap, the Act’s spirit would be honoured and fans would have genuine protection against steep price hikes. They call on clubs and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) to collaborate in setting a universal standard.

Arguments against the cap

Critics of a universal £30 cap argue it could reduce matchday revenue, especially for lower-league clubs already operating on tight budgets. Some clubs contend away fans represent a vital income stream, often subsidising home attendance prices. There are also logistical questions around whether clubs would need to renegotiate season-ticket holders’ benefits or alter hospitality offerings.

International comparisons

Several European leagues impose similar price controls. In Germany’s Bundesliga, for instance, away tickets are capped at €20–€25, ensuring affordability. Advocates for the UK proposal cite these examples as proof that fair pricing can coexist with sustainable club operations. They believe adopting a similar model would align English football with its own cultural values of community access.

Next steps and potential impact

With Labour MPs campaigning in Parliament, pressure is growing for both the government and football authorities to act. The DCMS Committee has launched an inquiry into matchday costs, and cross-party dialogue is underway. Should the cap be extended beyond the top flight, supporters in every division could see immediate savings—potentially boosting away attendance figures and strengthening clubs’ financial resilience from gate receipts.

Fan groups rally behind campaign

Supporters’ unions and fan-led organisations have thrown their weight behind the call for a £30 cap. The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) issued a statement urging MPs to back the reforms, citing fan surveys showing that cost is a primary barrier to attending away games. The FSA plans to present evidence at parliamentary sessions to reinforce the human impact of ticket inflation.

An affordability checkpoint for English football

As Labour MPs push for equitable ticket pricing from grassroots to top-flight, the campaign raises fundamental questions about football’s role in British society: should the beautiful game remain accessible to all, or drift toward an exclusive, premium experience? A universal £30 cap on away tickets could be a turning point, rebalancing finances in favour of fans and safeguarding football’s community spirit for generations to come.