Manchester City has frozen ticket prices for the 2025/26 season following fan protests and widespread dissatisfaction over increasing costs and lack of meaningful engagement from the club.
The freeze applies to general admission season tickets and individual Premier League match tickets. The decision comes after a key consultation with Man City’s official fan engagement body, City Matters, BusinessDay reports.
“The club would like to thank City Matters representatives for the feedback they provide on a range of topics relating to ticketing,” a statement from the club read, “and for sharing a broad range of perspectives from the fans they represent.”
Grassroots pressure pays off
Following the announcement, MCFC Fans Foodbank celebrated the decision, calling it a major win for supporter activism.
“Today’s news is a win for fan power and fan action, but it’s only a first step, and many ticket issues remain unsolved.
Also means more money stays in fans’ pockets, reducing chances they, their family, or friends may slip into food poverty.”
Protests at the Etihad make an impact
The pressure mounted after hundreds of fans staged a symbolic boycott of the opening minutes of City’s match against Leicester City. Banners outside the Etihad read: “Fans Not Customers” and “Affordable Football for All.”
Supporters missed Jack Grealish’s second-minute goal as part of the protest, which was organised by the 1894 Group, Trade Union Blues, and MCFC Fans Foodbank.
Concerns beyond prices: Accessibility and resale
Frustrations also stemmed from Manchester City’s new partnership with ticket resale platform Viagogo. Although the club clarified that only hospitality packages — not general match tickets — would be listed on Viagogo, fans voiced concerns over growing commercialisation and access inequality.
Disabled fans also expressed outrage at the introduction of a new parking charge, while others raised ongoing complaints about away supporters being seated in home sections of the stadium.
Guardiola and Club leadership respond
After the Leicester match, City boss Pep Guardiola acknowledged the protests.
“This is a football club that depends on its fans… Football clubs belong to the people, and if the people don’t agree with something, they can legitimately express concerns with the club.”
He also praised the club’s willingness to listen.
“The club is open, listening to them, arriving in agreement so everybody can be satisfied.”
