(OFT) Manchester United to revise season ticket terms

Manchester United has agreed with the OFT to revise its season ticket terms and conditions to make them clearer and fairer for fans.

Following a complaint from the Manchester United Supporters Trust in November, the OFT identified a number of potentially unfair terms with the club's season tickets under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations (UTCCRs). The club has responded positively and agreed to amend its terms to ensure that:

* every season ticket holder is now guaranteed a seat at every home league and cup game,

* the club provides clearer information about when a season ticket holder is likely to be moved from their seat for a cup match,

* if fans' season tickets are terminated for failure of credit card payments for cup games they will receive a pro-rata refund of the money they have already paid to the club,

* duplicate season tickets are issued where the original has been lost or stolen, and

* a clearer appeal process is in place to deal with disputes over cancellation of season tickets because of non-payment for cup matches. The club has also agreed to provide clear and upfront information to supporters before they buy their tickets, enabling them to calculate the maximum total cost for a holder over a season based on the club reaching the final stage in all competitions, as well as an indication of the number of home cup games in the previous campaign.

Though Manchester United did not agree that the previous terms and conditions were unfair the club has provided assurances that these changes will be implemented in time for supporters considering the purchase of season tickets for 2009/2010.

Mike Haley, OFT Head of Consumer Protection, said:

'We have worked closely with Manchester United and are pleased that the club has amended its season ticket terms to the considerable benefit of its fans. These changes greatly improve the protection for season ticket holders at all stages of the process, from upfront transparency on potential costs, to a guarantee of a ticket to all home games in all competitions.'