When it comes to cup competitions, issues of money only usually affect teams in lower leagues. However, following Arsenal’s shock Europa League exit last night, the Gunners are reportedly facing the prospect of having to fork out £4.5 million in a rebate to fans.
The Financial Aspect to Arsenal’s Europa League Exit
Season Ticket Clause
When Arsenal fans purchased season tickets at the beginning of the campaign, they paid for all of the usual Premier League action as well as up to seven cup games played at The Emirates Stadium.
After Youssef El-Arabi’s goal in the 119th minute last night, as well as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s shocking miss minutes later, sent Olympiacos through to the round of 16, the maximum number of home cup games Arsenal can play is six.
Mikel Arteta’ side travel to League One side Portsmouth on Monday in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Had this situation arisen last season, Arsenal may have got around it by drawing the original away tie, thus forcing a home replay and then hoping for a home draw in the quarter-final. However, this is the first season in which replays for the FA Cup fifth round have been scrapped. Therefore, a home quarter-final will still only take Arsenal’s home cup games to six.
If they lose on the south coast or are drawn away from the Emirates in the quarter-final, should they make it, the club will have to pay back two games to season ticket holders.
The Cost
Prices vary depending on where each individual season ticket holder is seated within the stadium. According to Simon Collings of the Evening Standard, it averages out at roughly at around £50 for each cup game that is not fulfilled in the quota.
Therefore, given there are around 46,000 season ticket holders at the club, the Gunners could be forced to shell out £4.5 million in refunds – providing there are no more cup games at the stadium.
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