Being a mascot for a Premier League club is a dream for many young fans, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. While some clubs offer the experience for free or at reduced cost, others charge thousands of pounds, sparking criticism from fans and politicians alike.
Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Tottenham are among the clubs that do not charge for mascots. At Old Trafford, the opportunity is usually reserved for children with long-term or terminal illnesses who are official club members. The Manchester United Foundation also auctions mascot places for charity, with a winning bid of £5,531 for a match against Crystal Palace last season.
In contrast, Crystal Palace charges between £255 and £520 for mascot packages, depending on the match grade. Nottingham Forest offers one free place per game through its Community Trust but charges £2,000 for other mascot packages, which include a four-course meal for four people. West Ham can have up to 22 mascots per match, charging £375 each, generating over £125,000 per season.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire said clubs are 'monetising all aspects of fandom,' adding that 'the romance of football has not only died but was buried then cremated many years ago.' MPs from both parties have criticised the practice, with Labour MP Clive Efford calling it 'pure greed.'
