First of a Kind Compensation Scheme announced for Chelsea supporters
From the Chelsea Supporters Trust website:
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust is delighted to confirm that a compensation scheme administered by Sheffield United, in respect of return travel, following the Sheffield United vs Chelsea Fixture which took place on April 7th, 2024, is now live.
A compensation scheme, initiated by the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust and working in partnership with Sheffield United, the Premier League and Chelsea FC eligible supporters will be entitled to compensation as a gesture of goodwill due to the disruption of the late notice of the change of kick-off time.
Initially, the compensation scheme will be open to Chelsea Hospitality and General Admission Away Season Ticket Holders only. After one week, and subject to review, the compensation scheme will be increased to any supporter who can provide evidential proof of a valid match ticket and purchased a train ticket between 27/02/2024 and 01/03/2024.
Dom Rosso, Vice-Chair of the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust, said:
“This compensation scheme is the first of its kind – it has been spearheaded by the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust and has the backing and support of Sheffield United, the Premier League, and Chelsea FC.
“We have worked incredibly hard to get this project over the line – it is right and correct that supporters who were left out of pocket by having to re-purchase their return rail tickets will be compensated.
“If supporters are financially impacted by last-minute changes, they must be compensated. This type of scheme should become the norm and we will work with the Football Supporters’ Association and other stakeholders to ensure this is fully explored.”
This is the first scheme of its type that has been backed by the home club, the away club, and the Premier League.
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust would like to thank all those involved for their backing and support of this project. We are especially grateful for the support from the Sheffield United Supporter Liaison Manager, the Premier League Fans and Development team, and Chelsea FC’s Head of Supporter Engagement, Michael Cornall.
Please see below the eligibility criteria and application process.
Eligibility Criteria
Available for Chelsea Hospitality and General Admission Away Season Ticket Holders ONLY.
Available for train tickets purchased between the 27/02/24 and the 01/03/24.
Only the return proportion (Sheffield to London) of a non-refundable train ticket will be eligible for the scheme, (compensation will not be provided for the journey arriving into Sheffield from London). For example, only those that purchased a non-refundable train ticket that returned prior to the end of the match (meaning supporters would miss a portion of the game and needed to rebook), would be eligible for the scheme.
Compensation for hotels or overnight stays will not be eligible to claim as part of the scheme.
Subject to review and budgetary constraints, after an initial 7-day period, the compensation scheme will be increased to any Supporter who can provide evidential proof of a valid match ticket and purchased a train ticket between the 27/02/20204 and 01/03/2024. Please note, this does not guarantee the eligible criteria will be increased.
Application Process
Applications will need to be made to Sheffield United by emailing cfcrefundscheme@sufc.co.uk, with the following information (applications missing information, or found to be claiming incorrectly, will not be processed):
- Full name
- Email Address
- Contact Number
- Chelsea FC Customer/Membership Number
- Attached evidence of Matchday ticket/s purchased for Chelsea v Sheffield United on 07/04/24.
- Attached evidence of non refundable train ticket and cost of the return proportion of the journey (Sheffield to London), this information is usually located on each printed train ticket, or on your confirmation email. In some cases you may be required to contact your train provider to identify the cost of the return part of your journey, (please note that applications not clearly showing this, or trying to claim for the journey arriving in to Sheffield too, will be dismissed).
- Amount of people your claim is for.
- Total amount being claimed in GBP.
- Any other supporting information.
- Bank Details (Name, Sort Code, Account Number).
Train times must be clearly visible on your train tickets/email confirmation.
Initial application deadline: 14/08/24.
By applying for this scheme, you agree to have your name and customer number shared with Chelsea FC so that we can ensure you are eligible to apply. Your data will be processed in accordance with Chelsea FC’s privacy policy.
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