Football fans reveal reasons they feel disconnected from modern game

Supporters admit high match ticket prices, the requirement for multiple TV subscription packages and untraditional kick-off times are subduing fan enjoyment across the country

Disillusioned football fans feel increasingly disconnected from the modern game, new research reveals.

Supporters admit high match ticket prices, the requirement for multiple TV subscription packages and untraditional kick-off times are subduing fan enjoyment across the country.

Over half (53%) believe that high ticket prices are diminishing their enjoyment of the sport, with a staggering 81% not considering matches as good value for money.

And for those not attending matches in person, as many as 37% miss them entirely due to lack of relevant TV subscriptions – with one in 10 relying on free highlights or illegal streams to watch football.

The research, commissioned by LiveScore and conducted by YouGov Sport, revealed the Saturday 3pm kick-off remains a firm favourite across football fans, with 58% choosing it as their top preference of match time.

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But despite this, fixture scheduling is increasingly shaped by broadcast demands – with Sky Sports ‘ record-breaking exclusivity deal for the 2025/26 Premier League season will see its live match coverage rise from 128 games in 2024/25 to 215.

While fans strongly favour Saturday 3pm, not all are in the stadium, with one in three not attending matches at all and just 34% saying they are satisfied with how many games they’re able to see live

The survey, which polled 3,007 UK football fans, showed the two key reasons for not attending fixtures (81% of all responses) were ticket prices and availability.

These issues almost exclusively apply to the top two tiers, with 61% of EFL League One fans and 78% of EFL League Two fans saying they can easily get tickets.

By contrast, the survey results show just 39% of EFL Championship fans and as low as 21% of Premier League fans experience easy access to tickets.

The survey results highlight key pressure points affecting UK football fans’ enjoyment of the national sport in 2025. Moments such as the empty stadiums during the Covid-19 pandemic and the widespread backlash to the proposed European Super League have underlined the enduring power and importance of fans at the heart of the game.

Whether in stadiums or on screens, in pubs or on social feeds, fans are the constant. Across the tiers, they bring football to life through their passion, and the countless ways they engage both on and off the pitch.

Yet the data reveals a deep and ongoing sense of frustration and disillusionment with the direction modern football is taking.

LiveScore urges clubs, governing bodies, and broadcasters to work together to protect the fan experience. By making thoughtful, data-driven decisions, with supporters placed at the centre, the industry can reignite fans’ passion and safeguard the future of our beautiful game.

To access the full survey from LiveScore, you can find it in the link here: https://livescoregroup.com/press-news/livescore-publishes-uk-fan-survey/

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