FAI CEO defends price increase for season tickets

FAI boss David Courell has defended the decision to increase season ticket prices for international matches, saying there are costs associated with hosting games at the Aviva Stadium.

This month the FAI announced that season ticket prices for its international games had increased. Regular season ticket holders who renewed their tickets were required to pay 50% of the cost in advance within the next four weeks, despite not knowing at the time which teams Ireland would be playing next year.

The move was condemned by many fans, who cited the cost of living as a reason for not increasing prices. However, the FAI countered: “While the 2025 season ticket pricing model has been changed to reflect an increase in overall costs, this is only the second change to the adult pricing model in the last decade for our season ticket holders.”

The price increase for season tickets applies to the Nations League promotion/relegation playoff against Bulgaria next March and also includes the World Cup qualifying group games that have yet to be confirmed.

Courell spoke about various national team topics this week and was asked about the ticket price increases.

The FAI CEO praised Irish fans for their unwavering support, but added that hosting games at the Lansdowne Road venue would come at a cost.

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“It would be remiss of me not to praise our fans, they were fantastic – probably the most loyal in the world. We haven’t always performed in recent years, but they have remained with us. With 24,500 last year, we have the highest season ticket membership of any association in Europe. We don’t take it for granted, but there is also a cost to hosting games at this fantastic facility (Aviva Stadium),” Courell told 42.ie this week.

Courell also added that despite the increase, the tickets still represented amazing value for avid fans of the Irish team.

“We have only increased ticket prices once (before) in the last decade. We were justified in having to increase our season ticket prices, but we wanted to reward the loyalty of these fans. So when they are renewed the value is still amazing. You can still get an adult ticket for an average of €30 per game, which as we will all realize in this day and age in this country, represents good value for money.”

The FAI boss added that he understood that fans were feeling the pinch, but urged them to understand the reasons behind the price increase.

“Although no fan group anywhere in the world would ever tolerate price increases, I am pleased that interest in season tickets is in good shape. We have now sold over 20,000 copies. While I understand there will be some disappointments, I hope they can understand that our cost base is increasing.”