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By Dan Roan
BBC sports editor
MCC members have been told they will not be refunded subscriptions for 2020 despite the prospect of seeing cricket at Lord's being "increasingly remote".
The coronavirus pandemic has seen all cricket suspended until at least 1 July, with the lucrative new The Hundred tournament delayed until 2021.
The 18,000 members have been told their annual fees were the "bedrock" of the club's finances.
Chief executive Guy Lavender said it was "critical" the MCC acted.
"We face the very realistic prospect of substantial loss of income this season," Lavender said in an email to members, many of whom pay annual fees of more than £500.
As well as England Test matches with the West Indies and Pakistan, Lord's was also due to host four of Middlesex's County Championship games, as well as five of the county's T20 Blast group matches and a day/night one-day game with Australia.
Events such as the National Club Championship final, Village Cup final and the Oxford v Cambridge Varsity match were also scheduled to take place at the venue.
"The effect on the club's finances of a loss of revenue of this scale is significant and this has required the committee to take a broader look at the situation," Lavender added.
Lavender said members who were suffering "major personal financial hardship" could ask the club for their fees back, but only "in situations of considerable need" and in the context of being "fair and considerate" to fellow members.
"Our club is not in crisis, or dire financial jeopardy," he added.
"Nevertheless, we must respond and react to the impact of the global pandemic in a timely and decisive manner.
"As members we share a responsibility to ensure we keep MCC and Lord's in good shape for future generations."
Meanwhile, Kumar Sangakkara is set to be offered a further year in the role of MCC club president.
The Coronavirus outbreak has led the committee recommending that Sangakkara, who began his term on 1 October 2019, be invited to serve until 30 September 2021. The motion will need to be approved at the annual general meeting on 24 June.
To some extent this is between that club and it's members. There seems to be a key legal difference between a season ticket holder and a member of a club
ReplyDeleteMost counties are still members' clubs, including Notts.
In practice we are really season ticket holders, as our wishes have been continually disregarded, even ridiculed for 5 years or so.
Yes "Which ?" magazine have said in regard to sport member clubs, the non refund could be challenged in court, but they advice against because of the costs of losing such a case.
We wsit to see our club's approach, and may not know until clarity is reached re the remainder of season, probably no cricket.
They may make some sort of offer and we all of course will accept it or decline, up to each one of us. Also if they make no offer, still up to us, but a bigger chance then of significant numbers walking away
I was thinking there could be a good case for a Section 75 Credit claim for members (of any club) with a fee over 100 pounds who paid by credit card. The act covers situations where 'the product isn't the same as the description' and 'the product or service is not delivered as promised'. I would hope this would in practice cover situations where expected membership benefits are not provided. There is no charge for making a section 75 claim - do it via credit card company. I'd definitely give it a go for any membership I hold over 100 pounds if I don't feel I got what I expected and a refund isn't offered. Worst case is getting nothing. Court is too risky I agree.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most recognisable blood and eggs was on Talksport who is apparently known as 'Fingers' Fingleton. They are also relaxing their usual 27 year wait to join the MCC and enrolling people immediately with life memberships. The downside is they cost between £8,000 and £80,000 for the privilege
ReplyDeleteWhich one are you going for SJ?
DeleteYet again Max is wrong. The 'product' had NOT changed - members of NCCC are exactly that with the benefits of membership INCLUDING admission to Games being at preferential rates BUT the whole remit and ethos of the Club is far wider than just attending matches - that is why the Club is a Registered Society under the relevant Co-operative Act. There are significant numbers of Members who don't even attend Matches. So IF you only joined to save money on Match Days then you are perhaps a 'fair weather' Member. No rights to refunds of Membership apply but IF any are given that will be a Club decision which MAY need membership agreement at a later date. For those who love the Club they will continue to support it via their membership fees.
ReplyDeleteIncluding those that "resign their memebership" in the autumn only to have rejoined by February.
DeleteCorrect!
DeletePJ is right, 100% right.
ReplyDeleteExcept that is not how the World of business and offer and acceptance works. Everyone has a fundamental human right to decide how to spend their money. It is not selfish to decide how to spend or not spend our money with family and our own well being ahead of sport.
So everyone in the event of no cricket and no refund has the right to decide if they want to fork out again next year.
I love the club, but cricket is a game. Other things, as horrible events have shown us, are aven more important
Just to add if I may please
ReplyDeleteAny matches which were included in the membership package and played behind closed doors, and therefore not available to people who in practical terms have paid for them, would be a difficult issue for me
Certainly agree with Rich 6 May comment. We may still be classed as members but in all reality it's only a season ticket which gains you access to home games. We are likely to have even less say now under the new Governance ruling. But at the end of the day that's modern day sport. The fans cough up, have little or no say the players come and go with the managers and coaches included in this but the one thing that remains is the club we support and love for it and that's why we keep coming back each year even if we are not always happy with the things that are going off at certain times.
ReplyDelete