The organized Lazio fan groups have kept their promise by refusing to renew their season ticket subscriptions.
The Background
The Biancocelesti supporters have been boycotting the club’s home fixtures since January, taking a stand against unpopular club president Claudio Lotito and his policies, blaming him for Lazio’s ongoing demise.
Lazio Fans Proceed With Major Boycott
Last month, the organized fan groups vowed they won’t purchase season tickets and will also cancel their TV subscriptions. Moreover, they won’t vote for any members of Lotito’s ‘Forza Italia’ political party, and will boycott all businesses related, directly or indirectly, to him and his family.
Lazio Sold Less Than 500 Season Tickets
As Il Messaggero explains, more than 30,000 Lazio fans had bought season tickets last season despite the transfer ban, but fewer than 500 have thus far renewed. The source estimates that the final figure will be around 900.
This would mean that less than 3% would have renewed their subscriptions. Hence, the club is set for a new low in Lotito’s 22-year era, surpassing 2016, when they sold only 6,000 season tickets.
Lazio Dealt With Significant Financial Losses
While the economic repercussions remain difficult to calculate, experts estimate a loss of €6-7 million compared to last season on this particular front, not to mention missing out on matchday revenues, like merchandise and other services, as the Stadio Olimpico will be almost deserted whenever Lazio are playing, with the exception of the two editions of the Derby della Capitale against Roma.
Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but the boycott should end…
Lotito’s made it clear that he’s positioning himself to sell Lazio. Purchasing Reggina, no public speaking, no funds injected into the club, constant public protests, political openings in Calabria, etc.
Once Lazio gets the official green light for the new stadium, he will list Lazio as for sale.
In the meantime, the fans should return. The protest has potential to hurt Lazio more than Lotito. The squad is thin, and there are already reports of an injury crisis… The squad will need the injection of energy from the fans throughout the season.
Don’t think it’s an unreasonable opinion.
We prefer to be in serie b but without lotito. His Lazio biggest problem and he talk too much. And he’s a con man.
Yes, I understand where you’re coming from, but be careful what you wish for…
I’d rather see the fans return and spend the games chanting Lotito Vattene, displaying banners, etc. than plunging the club further towards bankruptcy
I understand your position but the truth of the matter is why would you give money to Madman who keeps responding with : Then stay out of the arena don’t comeback”
One penny to Lazio is unfortunately one penny to Lotito.
Keep Boycotting!!!!!