The Football Fan

Notes from between the World Cup

Some short observations to keep The Football Fan ticking over while all eyes are on the Americas

Jun 19 • Martin Cloake

2

May 2026

The leading of Liverpool – where next on ticket pricing?

A hard-won victory at Liverpool has wider implications.

May 14 • Martin Cloake

12

3

April 2026

What's going wrong?

It's bigger and richer than ever, but there are nagging doubts about football that just won't go away.

Apr 9 • Martin Cloake

15

2

2

February 2026

When is a fan not a fan?

The stark contrast between judgment of supporter behaviour and willingness to consider their views seriously.

Feb 27 • Martin Cloake

8

1

2

January 2026

Crowd pleasers

Why support goes sour, FIFA's latest disgrace, and a strange kind of financial glory

Jan 13 • Martin Cloake

10

1

2

December 2025

Who wants the World? (Cup)

Is the furore over tournament ticket prices a positive sign?

Dec 12, 2025 • Martin Cloake

12

1

2

November 2025

Brief encounter

There's a chance to reshape the way the ticketing market works in the UK for the better

Nov 21, 2025 • Martin Cloake

3

1

1

October 2025

Reading the bans

Alongside the politics around the Villa Park away fan ban were some more basic points about the way fans are treated.

Oct 31, 2025 • Martin Cloake

5

1

1

Is that all we get away?

I have written frequently about the dreadful experience of away fans at European games. Things aren’t getting any better. That needs to change.

Oct 8, 2025 • Martin Cloake

10

2

1

August 2025

What’s the big idea?

A new season and new attempts to ruin a simply beautiful game. Welcome back!

Aug 28, 2025 • Martin Cloake

19

4

6

July 2025

Rules, damn rules and Crystal Palace

Multi-club ownership is at the heart of the dispute between Crystal Palace and UEFA, and everyone has questions to answer

Jul 25, 2025 • Martin Cloake

6

4

1

June 2025

The game versus the crowd

There is a tension in football that is bubbling under, and smart leadership is needed to deal with it.

Jun 26, 2025 • Martin Cloake

7