A growing number of Manchester City supporters have said they are considering not renewing their season tickets, signalling a serious rift between a section of the fanbase and club policy.
According to a recent survey by the supporters’ group “1894”, nearly 10 percent of fans that answered indicated they may relinquish their Etihad Stadium season passes next season because of dissatisfaction with new ticketing rules, even as City compete at the top of the Premier League.
The disquiet centres on changes to ticket resale and transfer policies introduced by the club, which supporters argue make it more difficult to pass a seat to friends or family when they cannot attend a match.
The ticket exchange system has been tightened under updated rules requiring members to use their ticket a minimum number of times or list it for resale via club channels, something many lifelong supporters feel complicates what was once a straightforward process.
Man City fans protest ticketing system changes
Fan groups including The 1894, Canal Street Blues and MCFC Fans Foodbank Support have publicly criticised these policies as “drastic” and argued that they undermine supporter experience and stadium culture.
Members of these trusts organised protests at Etihad matches during the 2025-26 season, urging the club to rethink its approach and emphasise meaningful dialogue with supporters rather than imposing top-down decisions.
The protests came even as Manchester City have slashed matchday ticket prices and frozen season ticket prices for upcoming seasons in response to earlier fan backlash, demonstrating the complex balance between club revenue strategies and supporter satisfaction.
City’s policy currently requires Gold, Platinum and 93:20 season ticket holders to personally attend at least 10 of 19 home league matches and use their ticket for a minimum of 16 games across competitions or face restrictions on future renewal, a stipulation that has frustrated supporters with changing personal circumstances.
Why fans feel priced out
Even though the club has taken steps like expanding ticket exchange options and offering refundable seats, many fans believe the overall approach still prioritises commercial interests over the traditional match-going culture.
Social media discussions reflect concern that increased ticketing complexity, coupled with stadium expansions aimed at attracting corporate and global attendances, is eroding the historic supporter base rather than strengthening it.
FGG Says
The fact that a noticeable chunk of City supporters are contemplating giving up their season tickets speaks volumes about how fragile the bond between club and fan can be when ticketing policy shifts without perceived consultation.
Fans are custodians of a club’s culture and atmosphere, and when policies make it harder for loyal supporters to attend or pass on seats to family and friends, frustration is inevitable, especially in an age where many clubs chase revenue at the cost of grassroots support.
Manchester City should remember that fan engagement is as important as competitive success. Alienating the bedrock of the matchday experience risks undermining the very atmosphere that makes stadium football special.