The LFC Supporters Board say they have "major concerns" over some of the proposed changes to Liverpool's ticketing system for the new season
A general view during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield.
Anfield will see Liverpool lift the Premier League trophy against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
The LFC Supporters Board say they have "major concerns" over some of the proposed changes to Liverpool's ticketing system for the new season, after detailing their feedback directly to the club.
On Tuesday, it was announced Liverpool will introduce a number of changes ahead of the 2025-26 term, after a review between fans and the Board amassed almost 100,000 responses. The club say they are taking a 'streamlined' approach to the purchasing of tickets, in an effort to reduce the risk of malicious bot activity.
Members with 13 or more Premier League home credits will no longer need to register and will automatically be given access to the sale, while those eligible for the ballot will be able to indicate their preferred seat location and price point when registering.
From the start of the new campaign, which sees the champions kick off their defence of the title with a Friday night visit from Bournemouth on August 15, supporters will only be permitted to forward one ticket per fixture but Liverpool say "exceptional circumstances" will enable match-goers to request that a ticket can be returned to its original owner.
Supporters will be permitted to add up to 18 on their 'family and friends' list for the new term but from September 1, the opportunity to add to an incomplete list won't be allowed, while there have also been changes to the distribution of tickets for European away games.
In a post on X on Wednesday, the LFC Supporters Board's account said: "LFC has announced changes to ticketing. Some are positive on adding to F&F in season and member sales. But we’ve got major concerns about the impact on those who buy for others and removing distribution."
A statement then published on the same account read: "On the distribution change, the club has removed a benefit that members with 13+ league home credits have used for years - one introduced by supporters working with the club following previous changes in 2022.
"Distribution was brought in to reflect that not every supporter can attend every match, and to offer flexibility for those with modern life demands or when fixtures change. It enabled supporters to pass on tickets and retain the credit for two games, acting as a safety net.
"This change also affects matches moves at short notice - the club has said it will decide how those are handled, but has not confirmed any firm policy.
"We proposed compromises, including distribution to those on a Family & Friends list, or reducing the number from two tickets to one. These were declined. The removal feels like it unfairly punishes loyal, long-standing supporters without addressing the real issues around misuse.
"The club told us around 300 supporters would have fallen below the 13+ threshold if this policy had applied last season. We suggested phasing in the change to protect those supporters - but this too was rejected. Distribution, however, remains available to seasonal hospitality ticket holders.
"We're also concerned about changes to ticket forwarding. The club told us that if a ticket is forwarded to someone who can no longer attend, that person can request to return it - but only in 'exceptional circumstances', and the request must go through a manual form and review process.
"While forwarding is available until kick-off, the return process depends on club approval, which they aim to give within two hours on a matchday. What qualifies as 'exceptional' hasn't been clearly defined.
"We've asked for a simpler, automated solution - but the club said their system doesn't support it and there are no plans to upgrade.
"The Friends & Family system has flaws. Currently, if someone adds you to their list, they are automatically added to yours - without your consent and without the ability to remove them. We proposed a tech fix but the club said this isn't possible.
"Instead supporters must manually contact the club if someone has incorrectly added them - creating more admin and more frustration with a system that many already struggle to use."
The statement continued: "It is the board's view that too often supporters are being asked to adapt to new rules and restrictions when it is not clear that the changes are proportionate to the problem. Suggested compromises are ruled because the technology doesn't allow it - or because there are no plans to invest in the change.
"Meanwhile, thousands of fans pay nearly £30 a year just to access this system and have a chance of buying a ticket. That cost adds up - and for many, it doesn't feel like value when the system is clunky, limited and outdated.
"We also suggested the club address alleged misuse at the source by rolling out Fan Update more widely before implementing these changes. While the club has announced that Fan Update will now be rolled out starting with 13+ members, they have only said they 'hope' to integrate it fully across all ticketing journeys."
Liverpool say their new policies have been designed after extensive discussions with the LFC Supporters Board and have been "designed to improve the overall supporter experience" while also combating misuse.