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Embargoed – 00.01 28 August 2008 Birmingham City Fined Over Away Ticket Pricing A Premier League appointed Independent Commission has ruled that Birmingham City FC were guilty of discriminatory pricing against away fans at a number of games during the 2007/08 Barclays Premier League season. The Independent Commission ruled that the price charged to away fans was higher than that charged to home fans for a comparable standard of accommodation. The Commission ruled that Birmingham City were in breach of Premier League Rule J9, handed down a fine of £30,000 and ordered the club to pay costs. Premier League Chief Spokesman, Dan Johnson, said: “Fans of all Premier League clubs deserve to be treated in an open and fair manner when it comes to the pricing of away tickets, and we are pleased the Independent Commission recognised the importance of this rule.” Birmingham City FC has decided not to appeal the Independent Commission’s ruling. -ends- Notes to Editors: The Independent Commission was made up of three members – Nicholas Randall (Chair), Alan Bennett and Glynn Hammond Premier League Rule J9 states: A Home Club shall not charge admission prices to supporters of a Visiting Club which are higher than those charged to its own supporters for comparable accommodation and in particular concessionary rates offered to senior citizens and junior supporters shall apply to supporters of a Visiting Club. Reply With Quote |