Arsenal Fined £500k Over FA Cup Breach

Arsenal have been sanctioned by the Professional Game Board (PGB) for breaching ticketing regulations during their FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester United on 12 January 2025.

The PGB ruled that Arsenal violated 2024–25 FA Cup Rule 192, which states:

“The home club shall comply with any request for tickets made in accordance with Rule 191.”

Under Rule 191, visiting clubs in FA Cup matches (excluding the semi-final and final) are entitled to claim:

“(a) up to 15% of the tickets issued (up to a maximum of 9,000); or (b) if the Ground is not all ticketed, up to 15% of the Ground’s maximum capacity,”

provided the tickets are for a “fully segregated area” and the request is made within four days of the relevant draw.

Following an investigation, the PGB concluded that Arsenal failed to meet these requirements and issued a suspended £500,000 fine.

The sanction will only be enforced if Arsenal cannot confirm their ability to comply with the same rule in the 2025–26 FA Cup, or if they breach ticketing regulations again in the upcoming season.

It is understood that the club’s failure to allocate the required number of tickets stemmed from safety concerns about placing Manchester United supporters in an upper tier of the Emirates Stadium, amid fears of persistent standing.

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