San Mamés brings the first big debate on invitation tickets
The Athletic Club’s move to remove invitation passes has sparked internal unrest involving members, staff and former presidents.
The Athletic Club has reignited debate around access to favor tickets and invitation passes at San Mamés after the board decided to remove invites tied to different internal groups. As MARCA reports, the decision came after several days of unrest inside the club, affecting supporters’ and staff-related structures that previously benefited from those invitations.
San Mamés has not issued an official public stance yet, because the “storm” broke right after the match against Barcelona, according to the same outlet. Since then, the only ones to speak publicly—without holding back—have been the players. The club leadership, meanwhile, has kept quiet and postponed a meeting with the squad.
What sparked the dispute
The controversy centers on several of those invite “cuts.” MARCA points out that:
- The club removed invitations linked to the Athletic Veterans Association.
- The Atlético would also be paid the minimum required by the rules; the affected allotment does not exceed 30 seats.
- Employees complained after their tickets were withdrawn and replaced with a medical insurance offer.
- Former presidents affected were offered a lifetime seat in the president’s box, at a time when (since last season) the club sells premium experiences and box tickets for several hundred euros.
- Players also spoke up about day-to-day issues around Lezama “that have been building up for four years”.
Terzic addresses it
After Barcelona, manager Niko Terzic was left to face the question in his press conference. He said, as quoted by MARCA: “I’m aware of the situation and I understand the interest, but it’s an internal club matter. The best thing is to have a conversation to address it. In the dressing room, what’s in my hands is to be ready at the maximum for the match.”
With the Athletic back at San Mamés after several matches as visitors, the issue remains unresolved, pending that promised conversation between leadership and the squad.
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EspanyolFriday 20 November · 15:00Kick-off, where to watch and line-ups →How Athletic Club are doing
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