Supporter update on preparations for new season

It is expected that the opening fixtures of the new season will take place behind closed doors until at least October 1, 2020 at the earliest, with the likelihood that stadiums will initially operate at reduced capacity in line with social distancing measures when fans do return. This is subject to the successful completion of any pilot or test events.

We have been working with our fan forums and made a number of changes to ease any concerns around tickets.

These changes mean supporters will only pay for games they are able to attend rather than making upfront payments and, once government guidelines allow for people to return to stadiums, reassure those fans who may not want to attend matches straight away.

Here are the changes:

• We will be temporarily suspending the renewal of season tickets for the 2020-21 season. Games will initially be sold on a match-by-match basis, with this to be reviewed before the end of the year. It is anticipated that season ticket renewals will return as normal for the 2021-22 season.
• We will not be operating an auto cup scheme for any cup competitions in the 2020-21 season. Cup matches will also be sold on a game-by-game basis and the auto cup scheme will return for the 2021-22 season.
• There will be no credits accrued for games purchased in the 2020-21 season. Members tickets will continue to be sold based on game history from previous seasons but any purchases in 2020-21 will not carry any credit. Games sold in 2021-22 will utilise history accrued before the 2020-21 season.
• Further details for the purchase of seats by season ticket holders and qualifying official members will be issued once we have further clarification as to how the season will proceed.

With the possibility that we will have to initially operate at reduced capacity when supporters return, we are working hard to ensure that, whilst maximising capacity, we provide a safe environment at Anfield for fans to support the team. This may require changes to access procedures, providing additional concourse facilities and managing fans’ departures in a different way. We will provide more information on this and any other changes in due course.

Travel to and from Anfield stadium will also be a key consideration for when fans can return. We are working closely with all the key travel operators to ensure that when we can welcome supporters back to Anfield, we keep them as safe as possible during their journey.

Under current guidance, we ask that fans do not travel to the stadium whilst games are being played both at Anfield stadium and LFC away fixtures.

Phil Dutton, vice president, ticket and hospitality, Liverpool FC, said: “Over the past few months, the way we’re able to watch football and support our team has changed considerably. We recognise that some of our fans will be keen to get back into Anfield, while others may be more reluctant to do so due to the ongoing pandemic and uncertainty surrounding it.

“After listening to fan concerns and engaging with supporters at a dedicated fans forum, we have taken the decision to temporarily suspend the season ticket renewal process and the auto cup scheme for this season. This will ensure that supporters do not feel as though they need to make a decision on purchasing tickets immediately or they will lose their chance to come to Anfield later in the season.

“As the situation continues to evolve and remains subject to change, we are working closely with key city stakeholders to ensure that when spectators return to the stadium, we provide a safe environment before the game, during and post-match. We will continue to work hard to keep fans updated with any developments relating to the 2020-21 campaign with a commitment to adapt as and when necessary.”

We will continue to keep supporters updated with all 2020-21 season developments and we thank supporters for their patience and understanding.