Postponed games and refund policies
From the official FSA.Org website:
Since last weekend’s match postponements we’ve had numerous supporters, who are potentially going to be left out of pocket, getting in touch and requesting information relating to refunds.
The Football Supporters’ Association will continue to speak to the football authorities and reiterate the importance of match-going supporters in any decision related to the rescheduling of fixtures.
Matchday tickets & season tickets
All matchday tickets and season tickets will be valid for the rearranged fixtures. If you are told this is not the case let us know. If you can’t make the rearranged date and require a refund on a non-ST match ticket we’d encourage you to speak to your club’s ticket office in the first instance.
Match tickets are “subject to change” without notice but many clubs have refund policies within their terms and conditions (T&Cs), which will be reproduced on the club website, although how that is processed varies from club to club. If any clubs refuse to offer refunds on individual match tickets please let us know.
If you are struggling to find your club’s T&Cs contact your club’s ticket office and/or your club’s Supporter Liaison Officer.
Train tickets
Thanks to the Book with Confidence Scheme, which is in force until September 30th 2022, anyone who has bought Advance Rail Tickets (direct from a Train Operating Company – TOC) can apply for a voucher to be used against a future purchase if they are no longer going to make the journey.
However this has to be done by 6pm the day before travel. National Rail Enquiries has more information on this here.
Different operators run their own Book with Confidence Schemes, so you will need to speak to the train operating company you bought the ticket from directly. For instance, LNER are offering free refunds or changes to all travel for this coming weekend.
Trainline also says that “until 6pm the day before travel, you can make a fee-free change to your train if your train is still running but you choose not to travel” for Advance tickets.
Most TOC’s refund pages are listed in this Twitter thread:
Other travel and accommodation
Refunds on flights and accommodation will be reliant upon the T&Cs or the discretion of airlines, hotels and other service providers. Given the unexpected nature of events we hope they will offer flexibility to supporters.
Can your insurance or credit card company help?
It’s also worth mentioning that we have spoken with the Independent Football Ombudsman (IFO) who made the useful point that some supporters may have relevant insurance via their banks. Check your policy.
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act is also described as “your secret financial superhero” by MoneySavingExpert. If something costs more than £100 but less than £30,000 on your credit card, then your card company has a legal obligation to “come to the rescue” if there’s a problem. This is always worth bearing in mind when purchasing more expensive items.
What does the FSA think about the postponements?
We believe football is at its finest when bringing people together at times of huge national significance – be those moments of joy or moments of mourning.
Our view, which we shared with the football authorities, is that most supporters would have liked to go to games last weekend and pay their respect to the Queen alongside their fellow fans.
Not everyone will agree, so there was no perfect decision for the football authorities, but many supporters feel this was an opportunity missed for football to pay its own special tributes.
Further queries
If you have related questions please contact the FSA.
‘Chelsea Supporters Group’ can also be found on Twitter and Facebook
