The popular saying that claims that football was created by the poor and stolen by the rich has often been uttered during the past decade when the amounts clubs spend on transfer fees started going through the roof. Back in 2002, Ronaldo Nazario – one of the best players in the history of football – moved from Inter Milan to Real Madrid for €46 million. Today, that sum would be enough to sign a mediocre Premier League centre-back, with all due respect to everyone.##NAJAVA_MECA_8876802##However, the saying mentioned above seems to have never been more true than nowadays. And not because of vast transfers, but because of an attack on those for whom football exists – the fans.Namely, ticket prices have recently skyrocketed so much that people cannot stand it anymore. Premier League has set a ticket price limit for away fans to around €35, but for home fans, there are no limitations. After all, why would a club try to “rip off” its own fans?We are all so naive…City fans protesting against ticket issues outside the Etihad once again. Cheapest matchday ticket for adults is £71 tonight #mcfc pic.twitter.com/i54xbMGswc— Tyrone Marshall (@TyMarshall_MEN) April 22, 2025 In the EPL clash between Man City and Aston Villa, Etihad’s stands weren’t packed, though it’s been normal for years in England. If you’re wondering why, just look at the ticket prices for the Cityzens’ fans – approximately €80 for adults and €50 for minors. And all that only because that clash was one of the key duels in the UCL race.Ahead of the crucial game, City fans are protestingAn even more preposterous example comes from the elite European competition itself. Back in 2010, you could have watched the semi-final between Inter Milan and Barcelona for €22 live from the stands of Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. In six days, you can watch the same to rivals at the very same stadium – for €120! That’s a price increase of 545%!Inter v Barcelona (2010). Anello rosso terzo: 22€.Inter v Barcelona (2025). Anello rosso terzo: 120€.Increase of 545% !RIP football. https://t.co/cDcPGwUCzt pic.twitter.com/KnxArc4ga1— Olivier Laval (@olivierlaval27) April 23, 2025 So, the next time you remember the saying from the beginning and think of it as a washed-out phrase, be sure it’s never been more true. Moreover, from this perspective, it seems that the “poor” – or the fans in this case – will never recover their priceless stolen property – football.
