The Premier League will kick-start this weekend at the National Stadium between Central Parade and East End Lions.
In a short meeting held by the seven clubs in Freetown last Saturday at China House, it was resolved that due to the economic constraints facing football presently, the ticket prices would be increased to Le3,000 for Open Stands, Le10,000 for Covered and Le20,000 for Presidential stands.
Speaking on behalf of the clubs, Mohamed Nabie who chaired the meeting appealed to the spectators to understand the current situation prevailing in the country as prices for sporting equipment has almost doubled.
James Fofanah of Mighty Blackpool said the Premier League Board is finding it difficult to get sponsorship and it is justifiable for the gate takings to increase slightly if the clubs should be able to meet their demands.
Idrissa Magoe Tarawally of Ports Authority appealed to fans to show some understanding in accepting the increase in good faith if they want to see improvement in the game as the clubs are finding it very difficult to raise funds other than the gate takings.
In his own contribution, John Kumina of Central Parade said he accepted the Le3,000 although he wanted it to be Le5,000, but said the budget of every club is more than two hundred million and the clubs would find it difficult to meet their budgets if the gate fee remains the same. He also appealed to all and sundry to see reason to support the clubs by accepting the increase and go to the stadium to cheer their teams.
Palmer-Wright of Freetown City Club said he was happy for the meeting and supported the increase because football is an expensive sport and if we have to meet the running of the clubs, “it is prudent that we talk to our supporters and sports loving fans to support the clubs by accepting the fees”.
The current situation in the country has prompted the slight increase as running a club now has become a burden to the administrators because of the cost involved.
The league will kick-start on Saturday and it is expected that all football loving fans will be present at the stadium to help develop the game in the country.
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