Cardiff City FC offer ticket refunds over shirt row

Players Aron Gunnarsson in Cardiff's new red home shirt and Joe Mason in the new blue away strip

Cardiff City have offered refunds to about 70 of their 16,000 season ticket holders who oppose changing the team's shirts from blue to red.

The move to alter the shirts, which includes a new dragon crest, was confirmed as part of "major and significant" investment last month.

BBC Wales understands that disgruntled fans have 10 days to confirm whether they want a refund.

When the rebranding was leaked in May it led to an impassioned debate.

The decision to change the shirt colours followed fresh discussions a few weeks ago between club directors and Malaysian investors Vincent Tan and Dato Chan Tien Ghee, known as TG.

Club officials have met season ticket holders individually and in groups following the announcement of the investment package.

Those who still felt strongly following talks with the club have been offered a refund in letters and e-mails sent out on Wednesday.

Longstanding debt

It is understood anyone else wanting a refund can still make a written application up to 12 July, but will only get their money back if the club can re-sell the seat.

The new investment package will also allow the club to resolve its longstanding debt with the Langston company, it revealed last month.

Chief executive Alan Whiteley said last month it was designed to help the club - known as the Bluebirds - expand their appeal.

A Cardiff spokesman said: "The club in this process does not want to lose even one season ticket holder, but we understand it's an emotive issue that for some there's no turning back.

"These letters are the next step in that process."