Premier League chiefs warned over moving kick-off times

PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs have been warned by the head of football’s watchdog body that attendances are being affected by the number of top-flight games being moved from the traditional Saturday 3pm kick-off.

Professor Derek Fraser, chairman of the Independent Football Commission, met Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore today and the apparent slump in attendances was discussed.

Fraser believes the fall is not simply due to high ticket prices.

“From what fans are saying to us, there are fewer complaints about the absolute level of ticket prices and more about the timing of games.

“That appears to be the biggest bone of contention - particularly when the date or kick-off time is changed after the initial fixture list has been announced and they have for example booked a cheap rail fare. Moving away from a Saturday afternoon kick-off can cause problems to fans, and this is something that has increased with the current TV deal and if clubs are in the UEFA Cup. For example, Middlesbrough have just one Saturday 3pm kick-off from the start of the season until January.”

He said clubs had to attract a new generation of fans but ticket prices alone were not to blame.