The Football Association's spending on Wembley hospitality and complimentary tickets for its FA Council members saw a 25% increase last season. Latest accounts reveal that expenditure on tickets and hospitality climbed from £452,300 in the 2024-25 season to £564,400 in 2025-26.
FA Council members, who number over 120 and include influential figures in football, are invited as guests to England and FA matches at Wembley. They can bring one guest free of charge and receive complimentary meals, drinks, and premium seating.
An FA spokesperson stated that the hospitality offering was updated to better align with that provided by clubs and other football stakeholders, which contributed to the increased expenditure. The cost of hosting FA Council meetings also almost doubled, rising from £18,600 to £33,200, with higher hospitality expenditure cited as a key factor.
The FA company secretary, Richard McDermott, noted in the accounts that costs related to the Fellowship of Council, an honorary membership scheme, are likely to increase further as its membership grows annually. However, the FA proposes to introduce changes to these benefits from 2027 to start reducing these costs.