The Football Association (FA) increased its spending on hospitality and complimentary tickets for FA Council members by 25% in the 2025-26 season compared to the previous year, according to recently published accounts. Expenditure on tickets and hospitality at Wembley rose from £452,300 in 2024-25 to £564,400 in 2025-26.

This rise in costs comes amid broader tensions in English football, with fans protesting ticket price hikes and concerns over the affordability of matches escalating due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Some clubs, including Liverpool, have responded by scrapping plans to raise ticket prices after fan unrest during the previous season.

The FA Council, which includes more than 120 members such as English Football League chairman Rick Parry, Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Mahreta Molango, and senior Premier League executives, is entitled to attend England and FA matches at Wembley free of charge. Members can bring one guest and are provided with complimentary meals and drinks in premium seating areas during high-profile fixtures, including FA Cup semi-finals and finals.

An FA spokesperson explained that council members are invited as guests alongside competing clubs and visiting national associations. The increase in hospitality spending reflects an upgrade in offerings to better align with the standards provided by clubs and other football stakeholders.

The accounts also highlight a likely further rise in these costs due to the Fellowship of Council, an honorary scheme established in 2017. This program allows former council members who have served at least nine years to continue receiving free match tickets, hospitality, and drinks after leaving the council. According to the FA company secretary Richard McDermott, the growing number of Fellowship members is expected to drive up expenses related to tickets and hospitality. The FA plans to modify the benefits associated with Fellowship membership from 2027, aiming to reduce these costs going forward.

In addition, the cost of hosting FA Council meetings nearly doubled, increasing from £18,600 to £33,200 between the two seasons, largely due to higher hospitality expenses.