Constant complaints from visiting fans will lead to the strange situation this year when it becomes cheaper to watch a standard league game at the Santiago Bernabéu than a UEFA Champions League match.
UEFA, European soccer’s governing body, has announced maximum prices for away fans. The maximum price comes into effect later this year at €60 in the Champions League, €40 in the Europa League and €20 in the Conference League.
Next year the price will continue to drop and will be €50 in Champions League, €35 in Europa League and will remain at €20 in Conference League.
The body’s intention behind this decision is to make travel more convenient for fans: “By introducing more fan-friendly policies, we are continuing our mission to keep soccer an inclusive sport in which fans who travel across Europe to follow their teams are valued and recognized,” said Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA president
.
Thus, both visiting fans coming to the Santiago Bernabéu or the Cívitas Metropolitano this year will be able to watch Champions League matches from €50 while colchoneros or madridistas who have priority for the purchase of tickets will be able to visit grounds such as Anfield or the Allianz Arena for the same price.
A similar measure in Spain
The move fits or goes in the same direction as a decision made by LaLiga just over a year ago. This year, 16 Primera División teams are committing to give up at least 300 tickets at a maximum price of €30 each.
With regard to Madrid, it should be noted that Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano have not signed the agreement. Getafe, Leganés and Atlético de Madrid did sign it. The other teams that have not reduced ticket prices are Villarreal and Espanyol.