FA defends loyalty programme after England fans criticise the scheme
Tuesday 9 September 2014 16:34, UK
The Football Association has defended its rejigged loyalty programme after coming in for criticism from England fans during Monday's European qualifier in Switzerland.
Over the summer plans were announced to alter the loyalty points system that rewards supporters for following the national team.
The previous scheme, englandfans, saw supporters get two 'caps' for following the team abroad and one for a match at Wembley.
However, that has been reversed under the new England Supporters Club, with those attending Wembley matches getting two points as opposed to those making the effort to go abroad.
"Two caps for Wembley, you're having a laugh" was chanted by supporters during England's 2-0 victory in Switzerland on Monday, but the FA has defended those changes.
"Our focus is on making Wembley a home for England which means well-engaged, well-rewarded loyal fans fully supporting the emerging young talent that we have in the England team," an FA spokesman said.
"We want that team to enjoy playing in front of those fans at Wembley.
"Of course, we continue to be grateful for our amazing travelling support which is why we transferred all the caps previously earned by those supporters over to the new England Supporters Club.
"As such they will remain at the top of the priority list for tournament tickets if they continue to support England home and away, as many of them have done for many years."
