Arsenal sanctioned by FA over Rule 192 with suspended £500,000 fine

Arsenal have been sanctioned by the Football Association after failing to meet FA Cup ticket-allocation rules for their third-round tie against Manchester United on January 12, 2025, at the Emirates Stadium. The Professional Game Board concluded that Arsenal breached FA Cup Rule 192 and imposed a suspended £500,000 fine, which will remain suspended if the club confirms it can meet the rule for the 2025-26 FA Cup third round and shows continued compliance for any subsequent rounds this season.

Rule 192 entitles an away club to claim up to 15 percent of tickets issued for non-semi-final and non-final FA Cup matches, capped at 9,000 tickets. Manchester United were due 9,000 tickets but received 7,956 for the Emirates match, which United won on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The FA referred the matter to the Professional Game Board for consideration, and the board found Arsenal had not complied with the rule. The FA statement said, "The PGB concluded that Arsenal FC had failed to comply with the 2024/25 FA Cup Rule 192 and imposed a suspended £500,000 fine."

At the time of the fixture, Arsenal cited safety concerns after the Safety Advisory Group, which includes emergency services and...