In a significant development, Manchester United has opted not to reduce the £40,000 budget allocated to the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association (MUDSA), following months of deliberation.
The decision comes after reports surfaced last November that club officials were considering slashing the funding by half as part of a series of cost-saving measures. The news will come as a relief to many, especially as the club has been under scrutiny for financial decisions following the arrival of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS in January.
Under the new ownership, Manchester United has been conducting a thorough review to identify areas where expenses could be cut. This review was triggered by the club’s ongoing financial struggles, despite generating record revenues. As part of these efforts, several cost-saving strategies were proposed, including the potential reduction of MUDSA’s funding. However, after careful consideration, the club decided to maintain the £40,000 budget, which is used to host a variety of events for disabled supporters, including a Christmas party and an annual bowling day.
MUDSA, one of the oldest disabled supporters’ associations in the UK, has been an integral part of Manchester United’s community initiatives for decades. The £40,000 budget covers not just social events but also subsidized tickets for the annual MUDSA dinner, where former players, such as Denis Irwin, are invited to speak. The dinner costs £35 per person, with tickets also available for carers, ensuring that supporters with disabilities can enjoy the experience at a reasonable price. The funds also support collaborative community sporting events run alongside the Manchester United Foundation.
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The club’s initial consideration to cut the MUDSA budget faced intense backlash from both supporters and insiders. Critics argued that reducing the funding for such a vital group would send a negative message about the club’s priorities, especially when large sums are spent elsewhere.
One insider even labeled the potential cut as “nothing short of a disgrace,” highlighting the optics of cutting funds for a group that has long been a beloved part of the Manchester United community. The backlash also pointed to concerns about the club’s ongoing financial management, with questions raised over the allocation of resources to less successful ventures, including player signings and managerial decisions.
Maintain the Fund
Despite the uproar, Manchester United officials have now decided to maintain the annual £40,000 funding for MUDSA. The decision was made after reviewing the situation, with the club recognizing the importance of supporting disabled fans and their long-standing relationship with the club.
MUDSA members were reportedly informed of the decision on Monday, and the club’s commitment to the group has been reaffirmed as a key aspect of its community outreach efforts.
In contrast, another budgetary decision has seen the end of the £40,000-a-year funding to a charity for former United players. While the decision to maintain support for MUDSA has been welcomed, the termination of the former players’ charity funding has attracted its own share of criticism. As Manchester United navigates its financial challenges under new ownership, the balancing act between cost-cutting and maintaining community support continues to be a delicate one. However, with this latest decision, the club has chosen to uphold its commitment to disabled supporters, ensuring that MUDSA remains a vital part of the Manchester United family.
