Premier League considers overseas games

Updated 20.12 Thu Feb 07 2008

Keywords: Premier League

The Premier League chairmen have unanimously agreed to examine a proposal that could lead to some matches being played abroad.

Twenty clubs held a meeting on Thursday morning to explore the possibility of staging an extra match a season that could be played in a city in Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles, Singapore, Sydney, Johannesburg, Dubai and Beijing.

"We believe that an 'international round' of matches will enhance the strength of the Barclays Premier League" - Richard Scudamore

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "The 'international round' is an exciting and innovative proposal that needs careful consideration before being introduced.

"However, this concept recognises the truly global appeal of the Barclays Premier League whilst understanding that the traditions of the English game have always underpinned our success.

"We believe that an 'international round' of matches will enhance the strength of the Premier League as a competition; create extra interest in all 20 Premier League Clubs at home and abroad; and allow increased investment in talent development and acquisition, facilities as well as our football development and community programmes."

The details of how the system would work are still to be finalised but it is thought that a new round of ten competitive fixtures will be played across the world over one weekend in January.

Under the proposal, points earned in the overseas game would count towards the final league position.

Any changes are expected to come into effect in the 2010/11 season and the final decision on the proposal will be made in January next year.

Scudamore added: "The globalisation of sport is both an opportunity and a challenge; one that needs addressing in a responsible way.

"We are a better competition for being a cosmopolitan league and have benefited from our increased international reach.

"Nonetheless, it is critical we retain our English character by improving our efforts to produce home-grown talent, deepening our commitment to community engagement and continuing our investment in the grass-roots."