Ticket prices too much for Bhatia

Queens Park Rangers vice-chairman Amit Bhatia has resigned after he disagreed with rising ticket prices.

The son-in-law of Britain’s richest man Lakshmi Mittal, Bhatia revealed he would be stepping down from his position on Wednesday, acknowledging the reason for his departure was due to a disagreement with decisions made by the board – including that of a ticket-price hike for next season.

Bhatia said his decision came down to more than just the increase to season ticket prices at the club, which will participate next season in the English Premier League after earning promotion by winning the Championship this campaign.

“It is clear to me from recent board meetings that my vision, strategy and direction for the club is very different from that of the other shareholders and board members,” Bhatia’s letter to the QPR board read.

“The recent decisions to sack club CEO and chairman Ishan Saksena and significantly increase season and ticket prices are just two of the decisions I disagree with.”

“While it saddens me to leave QPR after such a successful season and at the beginning of an exciting new phase, I do not wish to be associated with or take responsibility for decisions made by the board and with which I disagree so strongly.”

Bhatia said the Mittal family would continue supporting the club, in which they hold a 33 per cent stake.

He also said the Mittal family had failed in their attempts to buy the club as consultations with co-owners Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore fell through.

“The Mittal family had been in discussions concerning the possible acquisition of the club. However, we have been unable to reach agreement on this matter and therefore those discussions have now come to an end,” Bhatia said.

Although QPR play four fewer home games in the Premier League than in this season’s Championship campaign, the price for the most expensive adult season ticket has jumped from 699 pounds to 999 pounds.

Fans are being charged about 72 pounds to see their team in action, but a statement from the club defended the decision to lift ticket prices.

“The board is keen to stress that the prices are in line with other London-based Premier League clubs and are encouraged by early sales figures following the release of season tickets earlier on Tuesday,” the statement said.