Premier League clubs raises ticket prices

A BBC survey has shown that season-tickets for the English Premier League will cost on average GBP 590 next season for mid-range seating.

That's a rise of 7.2 percent and a rate of inflation that nearly is twice the average consumer rate, while the league is in the midst of a record TV deal.

FA Cup winners Portsmouth is an example, increasing its mid-range seats price by 17.5 percent, as are Blackburn Rovers, which was up nearly 13 percent, while Wigan also increased price by 10 percent.

Some clubs, such as Tottenham Hotspur which inflated the price by nearly 11 percent, claim the cash goes toward upgrading the players or facilities.

A statement from Tottenham read: "In order to progress both on and off the pitch, we need to be able to continue to raise our level of investment in the squad and all areas of the club's operations and facilities."

Manchester United have raised the mid-rank seat price by 6 percent, even with club fans being vocal about prices since the Glazers are at helm.

Nonetheless, an East Stand season ticket at Old Trafford would cost GBP 665, nearly half the price of a decent seat at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, which is in excess of GBP 1,000.

West Ham United, Manchester City and Middlesbrough all raised prices by 4 percent or less, while Chelsea has frozen prices.

The BBC survey did not include Bolton Wanderers, Liverpool and Newcastle United, where season ticket prices were still being finalised.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.