Tottenham Hotspur was reportedly among three clubs that opposed a significant UEFA rule change affecting several Premier League teams this season.
UEFA has implemented several notable changes to the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League formats this season. The most prominent alteration is the replacement of traditional group stages with a 36-team league phase. Under the new system, teams in the Champions League and Europa League will now face eight different opponents, while those in the Conference League will play against six different teams before progressing to the knockout stages.
In addition to these changes, UEFA has also revised regulations concerning ticket prices for away supporters. Starting this season, the maximum amount that away fans can be charged for match tickets has been reduced. For the Champions League, away ticket prices are now capped at €60 (£50). In the Europa League, the cap is set at €40, and in the Conference League, it is limited to €20. Next season, these caps will be lowered further, with a €50 limit introduced for Champions League tickets and a €35 limit for Europa League tickets.
While this change is advantageous for supporters, it has faced opposition from some clubs. According to The Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur was one of the clubs that voiced objections to the reduction in ticket prices for visiting fans in the Europa League. The report mentions that Tottenham, along with two other clubs, expressed concerns about the new price caps. It remains unclear whether Tottenham formally voted against the changes or merely raised objections.
When approached for comment by SPORTbible, Tottenham declined to provide a response. Notably, Tottenham’s director of football administration and governance, Rebecca Caplehorn, is a member of the European Club Competitions Committee, which endorsed the decision to reduce maximum ticket prices.
Additionally, Tottenham fans have already shown their frustration with the club’s decision to discontinue senior season tickets starting next season. In the Europa League, Tottenham will face Qarabag, Alkmaar, Roma, and Elfsborg at home and will travel to play against Ferencvaros, Galatasaray, Rangers, and Hoffenheim.