Football League Arbitration Statement

Emirates Stadium

Football League Arbitration Statement

Following the decisions taken by the Football League Management Committee today, Arsenal would like to make the following statement in relation to the issues that needed to be resolved by the arbitration panel for the match at Emirates Stadium against Tottenham Hotspur on January 31st 2007.

Ticket Prices
“The Club submitted documentation to the Football League in relation to the ticket pricing policy for the Carling Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium.  In line with our Carling Cup ticketing policy, where pricing is significantly reduced, the Club proposed that all tickets within the stadium would be priced at £40 in the upper tier and £30 in the lower tier, together with concessions for children and OAPs for all areas of the stadium, including the away section. 

“The two clubs did not agree on this policy and the Football League ruled that we had to implement our Category B pricing structure whereby tickets cost between £32 and £66.  The Club reluctantly accepted this judgment but appealed that concessions were to be made available in all areas of the ground.  We are therefore pleased that the Football League has reviewed its decision to activate concessions throughout the stadium as it will make the match more affordable for families to attend.”

Ticket Allocation
“In relation to the ticket allocation for away supporters for the tie at Emirates Stadium, the Club is pleased that the Football League upheld its decision to cap the number at 5173, as the safety of spectators is paramount.  Emirates Stadium has been designed to host up to 9000 away supporters for a cup competition fixture in line with the 15% regulation.  However, to date, we have not hosted a cup match at Emirates Stadium and were therefore advised by the Football Licensing Authority and Islington Council, as well as supported by the Met Police, that it was unsafe to make the considerable increase from 3000 to 9000 away supporters in one single step. 

“On the upside, as a result of accommodating over 5000 away supporters for the first time at Emirates Stadium on January 31st, we will be in a position to review the opposition’s allocation with the necessary parties for future cup ties.  This will hopefully enable the Club to provide visiting teams with the maximum 15% allocation for the FA Cup and Carling Cup competitions. 

“We now look forward, to what we hope will be, two exciting derby matches between the two north London sides.”