League change Curzon kick-off time for TV - CLUB STATEMENT

We have been informed that the League Management Committee has switched the kick off time of our fixture against Curzon Ashton from 3pm to a lunchtime kick off to accommodate the game being televised on the League’s Internet TV channel.

FC United and Curzon Ashton had informed the League prior to the League Management Committee meeting that both clubs would be opposed to the switch but the League have chosen to ignore our views. We have written to the League and asked them to reconsider but they are standing by their decision.

When our club representatives discussed the new NPL TV deal with League officials over the summer we received assurances that no game would be moved for TV without the agreement of both participating clubs. The League also circulated all clubs in November with reassurances that Saturday games would not be televised live.

As a result of these assurances not being maintained and that the League Management Committee have gone against the expressed wishes of both clubs, the board of FC United and club officials will not be present at the fixture. In line with that position the board requests that supporters exercise their power to influence decisions, by also not attending. For those that do not and that seek an alternative it is hoped that an ’event’ at our reserve fixture against Eagle Sports at Abbey Hey on the same day at 2pm will be held.

An FC United board spokesman said:

"TV exposure and the revenue it generates are important to football. There are times when moving a fixture is unavoidable and you only have to look at Harrogate Railway’s recent televised FA Cup game to see that in some cases it is even desirable. But to renege on previous assurances, seek the views of clubs about a change to the kick off time and then disregard the views of the competing clubs and its supporters in this manner is unacceptable."??

"The board of FC United is asking supporters to show their opposition to the League’s decision by not going to the game against Curzon. It is regrettable that Curzon Ashton may suffer financially from the consequence of this change to the kick off time, especially given their support in opposing the switch. However the board feel that it is important that a message is sent to the League that the views of the match-going fan must take precedence and those fans should not be inconvenienced in favour of a potential Internet audience"??

"All supporters are free to make up their own mind as to whether they support the call not to attend but the board of FC United believes that this particular issue is intrinsically linked to the disillusionment with top-flight football shared by many fans, that led to the formation of our club and as such a strong message needs to be communicated to the League."??