Stoke City fans face ticket price hike as Leeds United statement puts Coventry City in crisis

Leeds United have increased ticket prices for Stoke City fans by £5 for next season after abandoning an attempt at reciprocal deals.

Leeds have confirmed a new fixed price of £30 for away supporters in the 2024/25 Championship. Stoke supporters were charged £25 when they visited Elland Road for a midweek game in March, just as Leeds supporters were charged at the bet365 Stadium in October.

But prices varied hugely across the Championship throughout the campaign, with Stoke fans able to get in at Hull for £10 but having to fork out £37 at Coventry City and Queens Park Rangers.

AWAY TICKETS LEAGUE TABLE:

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And it was Coventry who criticized Leeds for trying to standardize prices between clubs, releasing a statement at the time saying: “We believe it is not for opposition clubs to dictate prices or price ranges to other clubs . Using high prices at your own club as a bargaining tool to adjust prices at other clubs should not be the case.”

Coventry did not respond to a request for comment when they came under fire for their own ticketing policy – and Leeds have hinted that this change in direction stems from this fall.

A statement from Leeds said today: “The new fixed price will be £30 per ticket for adults at every game regardless of the opposition. This approach is in line with the Premier League’s pricing policy.

“At the start of the 2023/24 season, Leeds United contacted all opposing clubs in the league to try to reach a mutual price agreement to benefit all fans. While some accepted and both sets of supporters could benefit from this, some clubs would not agree to reciprocal agreements.

“As a club, (we) recognize the vital role away supporters play at every match and believe in a fair and consistent pricing strategy for all football fans. We hope this move will ensure our loyal supporters also pay fair and consistent prices. when traveling to support the team away from home’.

Stoke host Leeds on Boxing Day and the return leg will take place on Easter Monday, April 21. Both matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

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