Chelsea fans 'reject' ticket sale changes - CST

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The Chelsea Supporters' Trust (CST) says it "overwhelmingly rejects" the club's proposed changes to its ballot system.

Some of the measures were "sensible and long overdue", the CST said in a statement, but added the proposals lacked detail and called on Chelsea to "pause" and "re‑evaluate" changes to the digital ticketing system introduced this season, in line with Premier League rules.

It follows Chelsea's announcement on Wednesday that it will introduce what the club describes as a "ticket application window", which the CST characterises as a ballot allowing members with a minimum number of loyalty points to apply for tickets.

Some Chelsea members perceive the proposal as unfair or insufficiently detailed, with concerns it could allow access to tickets for supporters with fewer loyalty points.

The ballot is just one of a number of changes, which also include:

• All ticket holders being required to undergo ID checks in an effort to curb touting.
• Loyalty points being awarded only for attending men's first‑team home matches, rather than simply purchasing a ticket.
• Season‑ticket holders being required to attend at least 13 Premier League home games (out of 19).
• Changes to away ticketing, ticket exchanges and allocations in the family stand.

Chelsea say the policies are designed to improve the atmosphere and access to tickets for genuine supporters, while reducing touting - an issue that particularly affects the club as a so‑called 'big six' side playing in a London stadium with a capacity of around 40,000.

The club has previously said it blocks up to 80,000 bots per match from its online ticketing system and has increased investment in that area.