Sunderland season ticket deadline: how to cancel direct debit, how to renew and what it means
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Sunderland are not changing their plans for renewals next season, with those who sign up offered a streaming pass in lieu of a refund for any games played behind closed doors but there was a partial u-turn in that those who had signed up already and paid in full will now be offered the chance to claim a refund.
Supporters have until today - June 11th - to cancel if they are on the auto-renewal direct debit scheme.
We examine the options open to supporters.
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Hide AdWhat's the situation?
Firstly, now that the League One season has been curtailed, season card holders can apply for refunds for the final three home games of the season that won't be played. The club is yet to publicly confirm how they can do that.
It was also announced last week that Sunderland would not be changing their plans for renewals next season, with those who sign up offered a streaming pass in lieu of a refund for any games played behind-closed-doors.
However, those who have already signed up and paid in full will now be offered the chance to claim a refund.
It followed an outcry from fans, while the Football Supporters Association (FSA) also got involved and had their say before the initial u-turn.
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Hide AdToday is D-Day for those Sunderland supporters who wish to cancel their season ticket direct debit.
How do fans cancel if they want to?
A club statement has previously said: "If you are signed up to auto-renew via Direct Debit and are unable to do so at this time, please ensure that you cancel your Direct Debit renewal by contacting [email protected] by Thursday 11 June to ensure that you are not charged."
What happens if they do cancel?
If fans opt not to renew at the moment, their seat will be reserved and their loyalty points will be retained.
Sunderland AFC has also committed to offering pro-rata season cards at a later date, when it becomes clearer over the plans for next season and when fans will be allowed back into stadiums.
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Hide AdWhat happens if fans renew?
Many fans had already taken to social media to say they are cancelling over disappointment with the season card plans and the current regime, with Stewart Donald's stock at an all-time low on Wearside.
However, there will also be many fans that will still want to buy their season ticket for next season to support the club and because it is something they have always done.
It was confirmed on Friday that those who had ALREADY paid for a 2020-21 season card would be able to obtain a refund if they wanted.
But moving forward, the club has made it clear that those who choose to renew from now on 'will do so on the understanding that no refunds will be given in the event that games are played behind closed doors, and that they will receive an additional streaming pass for the duration of the season.'
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Hide AdWhat has the club said?
Over the past week there has been a club statement, Q&A and then an open letter to fans, the result of which was a partial u-turn that meant fans could get a refund if they'd already paid for a season card for 2020-21.
Sunderland CEO Jim Rodwell said he hoped the change meant 'all season card holders will now be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not they renew.'
In the open letter, Rodwell said: "Whilst we remain in a healthy financial position, season card revenue will be key when budgeting for next season and like all clubs, it is very important that we generate any additional income we can in these uncertain times."
Rodwell added: "In the event that you choose not to renew, your seat will be reserved, your loyalty points will be retained, and the club has committed to offering pro-rata season cards at a later date.
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Hide Ad"Alternatively, those who choose to renew will do so on the understanding that no refunds will be given in the event that games are played behind closed doors, and that they will receive an additional streaming pass for the duration of the season.
"As a club, it more important than ever that we listen to supporters and work with you. I hope that today’s update reflects my intention to do exactly that throughout my time on Wearside.
"We will continue to work closely with our supporter groups to clarify any outstanding questions, and I hope to see you all at the Stadium of Light very soon.”