TRADE UNION BLUES have urged Manchester City Football Club to rethink a recently introduced minimum-game season policy, which they believe is the first of its kind in the country and unlawfully penalises fans unable to attend every single match.  

This comes after the club introduced restrictions on season ticket holders, requiring them to utilise their season ticket for 16 of the 19 home games next season. Of these, season ticket holders must personally attend at least 10 matches.

Under the newly introduced policy, fans would have to pass six tickets back to the club or forward them to eligible Manchester City members only.

In a letter sent to the club by lawyers at Leigh Day, Trade Union Blues argue the minimum-game policy unfairly penalises those who, due to unavoidable personal circumstances or protected characteristics, cannot attend the necessary quota of matches required.

The policy would leave potentially thousands of fans at risk of having their season ticket revoked, including those that are elderly, disabled, pregnant, have religious or cultural obligations, have caring responsibilities or who work shift patterns. Trade Union Blues argue this is discriminatory and in breach of the 2010 Equality Act.

Trade Union Blues, a supporters’ group formed by trade union members, have criticised the absence of any clear guidance on exemptions or reasonable adjustments, arguing that loyal fans are being forced out due to rigid rules that fail to accommodate individual needs or circumstances.

They highlight that the club’s policy appears to be at odds with the Premier League’s own equality, diversity and inclusion standard, for which Manchester City has been awarded the highest advanced level.

The new rules also apply to the Flexi-Gold option — billed as a “pay-as-you-go” ticket, which requires supporters to attend a minimum of 10 games to remain eligible for future season ticket access.  

While the club has since backtracked on some elements of this scheme — allowing Flexi-Gold users who attend 16 or more games to upgrade to a full season ticket — the upfront £120 cost and lack of flexibility has continued to attract criticism.

Trade Union Blues say the policy change has already discouraged renewals, with some lifelong fans priced out or forced to downgrade to Flexi-Gold after decades of attendance. They say the club is prioritising profit over loyalty, aiming to drive up income from individual matchday sales rather than retain devoted supporters.

Their legal letter notes that, despite many fans contacting the club for clarification or mitigation, there does not appear to be any formal review procedure or support structure in place. In several cases, fans were simply advised to purchase a Flexi-Gold ticket, which is often more expensive and less secure than their original season ticket.

Trade Union Blues have asked the club to respond within 14 days and requested a meeting with club representatives and stakeholders to resolve the matter and develop a more inclusive, legally compliant policy. The legal action is supported by Law for Change.

Trade Union Blues secretary Chris Neville said: “This policy doesn’t reward loyalty — it punishes people for being human. Illness, pregnancy, disability, caring responsibilities or working shifts could now cost you your season ticket. Many of our members have followed City through thick and thin and now face exclusion because of inflexible criteria that takes no account of individual circumstances.

“The club talks about inclusion and community, but this policy does the exact opposite — it’s divisive and discriminatory. We’re urging the club to sit down with fans, rethink this damaging policy and create a fairer, more inclusive approach.”

Blues fan Helen Powell said: “As a lifelong City fan and long-time season ticket holder, I was incredibly disappointed when I reached out to the club at the end of the ’23/24 season to let them know I was pregnant, due in November, and as my ticket is in the South Stand, I would not be able to attend a large number of games in the following season — and if it would it be possible to defer. I was told this would not be possible and would need to transfer my ticket for each game to meet requirements.

“Had this 10-game personal attendance policy been in place, I would have lost my ticket, as would many parents, particularly those carrying and feeding children. This policy disproportionately impacts women and mothers, as well as carers, those doing shift work and others with commitments beyond football, especially with multiple games being moved short notice. I am incredibly disappointed in this policy and the club.”

Human rights partner at Leigh Day Ryan Bradshaw said: “The updated policy introduced by Manchester City applies a blanket requirement for personal attendance which significantly disadvantages a number of protected groups under the Equality Act. There is no indication that any meaningful mitigation procedures are in place. It disadvantages those working-class fans who are required to work shift patterns or precariously and may be unable to attend games for fear of losing their jobs.

“As a service provider, Manchester City is legally obliged to avoid discriminating against protected groups. The failure to account for these legal obligations undermines the values of equality, diversity and inclusion that the club publicly claims to uphold. Beyond all of this the club has a moral duty to ensure they continue to maintain their link with loyal supporters who have followed City through thick and thin.”

A spokesperson for Law for Change said: “Law for Change is very happy to be funding this important challenge to an ill-thought-through policy at Manchester City Football Club. It seems apparent that this policy will disproportionately impact certain groups, and we therefore hope that this action will prompt the club to reconsider its decision. We thank the team at Leigh Day for bringing this important case to our attention.”