The ACCC is assessing evidence put before it regarding variable ticketing at the MCG and Etihad Stadium. Source: News Limited
THE AFL's unpopular new variable ticket pricing faces a fresh challenge with angry fans calling in the nation's competition watchdog.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has confirmed it was assessing evidence put before it regarding variable ticketing at the MCG and Etihad Stadium.
It follows a formal complaint lodged by the AFL Fans' Association last Thursday on behalf of disgruntled club members.
The supporters have asked the ACCC to examine whether the AFL's decision to change its pricing regime after fans had paid for their 2014 season membership constituted "misleading and deceptive conduct".
At some games this year under the new system, the AFL has advised club members they need to pay an extra fee for a reserved seat.
Members were further angered when the AFL then changed its mind and removed the extra fee after some fans had already paid it.
HOW TO GET FANS BACK TO THE FOOTY
An ACCC spokesman said on Thursday night: "(We have) received a complaint about the AFL's Variable Pricing Strategy.''
"At this stage, the ACCC hasn't formed a view on whether the conduct may raise a concern under the Australian Consumer Law.''
AFL spokesman James Tonkin said: "The AFL confirms it recently met with the ACCC to address queries about our new ticketing model.''
"It was a productive discussion and we welcomed the opportunity to detail how the model seeks to give fans more ticketing and seating choices. We also re-emphasised that ticketing revenue is returned to the competing clubs," Mr Tonkin said.
ETIHAD STADIUM CROWDS AT ALL-TIME LOW
The AFL announced a variable ticketing policy for games at Etihad Stadium, the MCG and Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast in February.
It has the dual aim of generating more revenue from high-demand games, while offering fans better seats at cheaper prices at matches expected to draw smaller crowds.
Adult ticket prices range from $25 to $62 at the MCG and Etihad.
Confused fans reacted angrily to the changes, which come on top of exorbitant food prices at venues, and AFL crowds this season have dropped to seven-year lows.
The issue flared after last month's Geelong-Hawthorn blockbuster when about 1200 general admission members were allowed to swipe into the AFL Members' Reserve without charge.
Because the game had been designated as an A-Reserve match under the new model, other general admission club members had earlier been advised to upgrade and pay extra for a reserved seat.
Ten other AFL matches in Melbourne were slated as a A-Reserve matches.
AFLFA president Brian Clarke, who represents about 1600 members, said: "The fans who contacted us all told us the same thing, that they had purchased a membership from an AFL club and entered into a contract. They paid a certain amount of money and in return were promised a certain amount of games.
"What they were outraged about was that the AFL, a third party, came in over the top and said: 'You know what? We're going to bury that contract and you're going to pay more'.
"We are not accusing the AFL of being misleading or deceptive, but we are acting in the interests of our members who wanted us to approach the ACCC on their behalf."
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