***YBIG STATEMENT R/E MEETING YESTERDAY***

Representatives of YBIG met with the FAI to discuss the ticketing issues surrounding the upcoming Scotland games and wider ticketing concerns.  Members of site have, for a significant period of time, have campaigned for a reform of the ticketing process.  These calls have been brought to a head over the Scotland game and the allocation of tickets.

Whilst we thank the FAI for taking the time to facilitate the meeting, it is clear that significant areas of concern remain.

YBIG outlined a summary of their findings from supporter submissions obtained over the last few days.  This showed a high volume of supporters who were inexplicably rejected tickets for this game. These included fans with 100% records for the previous qualifying campaign (and beyond), as well as many fans who have attended a large number of away games in recent years.

The FAI provided insight into the specific circumstances and challenges of this game, which has resulted in many missing out.  The FAI provided a general breakdown of the ticket allocation but were unable to provide information as to how many tickets were allocated to season ticket holders/individual fans, as a distinct category.  Representatives of the association were unable to fully explain how such a large number of people with extensive travel records missed out on tickets for this game.

The FAI outlined that given that tickets had been allocated, they have little or no scope in order to facilitate people rejected for this game.  They advised that they may able to source a very limited number of premium tickets.  Those present accepted the word of the FAI representatives and subsequently advised site users to source tickets alternatively.

The meeting also discussed in some detail the current ticket policies and operational decisions in a wider context.

Site members accept that given the high level of demand, the FAI were in a very difficult position in relation to tickets for this game. Representatives pointed out that the implementation of a simple system would have minimised the risk of the scenario which has arisen.  The FAI accepted that more of the regular travelers could have been facilitated.

Site members were surprised to learn that the Association had adopted a policy of prioritising requests from supporters clubs. YBIG strongly feel this had not been clearly communicated to supporters and the FAI were unable to produce clear evidence that this was communicated publicly. Therefore it was possible for a person without a season ticket and no away record to obtain a ticket ahead of a season ticket holder with an away record, and was accepted as such by the FAI.  YBIG members are aware of numerous cases where this has occurred.

In the absence of a detailed breakdown it is not possible to confirm the total numbers, but it is clear from the evidence collated by YBIG that a large number of season ticket holders with extensive travel records were rejected for tickets, with priority given to Supporters Clubs.

The FAI have a number of options, based on existing ticketing models and/or a simple system which could be quickly and simply deployed.  It is unclear why this is not already in place and the FAI were unable to clearly outline how they utilise the data at their disposal.  Site members proposed a ticketing model 18 months ago, and there was an acceptance by the FAI that a new system needs to be implemented in order to prevent a repeat of this type of situation.  However the FAI were unwilling to offer any firm commitments as to when this would be implemented.

YBIG site members are disappointed that the FAI are unable to commit to the implementation of a ticket scheme and feel that there is little more that site users can do.  The Association has opted to adopt a ticketing policy which has disenfranchised many of their most loyal supporters and is not prepared to explain their reasons for doing so.