Fifa to block Premier League foreign plans

Last month all 20 Premier League clubs decided to explore the possibility of playing an additional game abroad in the near future. If the proposal goes through, from 2011, each season there will be an international round of matches. Each club would make an estimated £5 million from the game.

The games will all be played on the same day in January, with a week’s grace either side to give sides time to travel, and would take place one after the other from 10am to 10pm. While all the owners were unanimous in saying the plan is a great idea to make the league a truly worldwide brand, most managers are unhappy that they weren’t consulted about the idea.

Gareth Southgate had described it as an early April fool joke. Sir Alex Ferguson is allegedly unhappy that the proposition was unveiled before been discussing it with managers and players.

Kevin Keegan added: “It will be pretty tough for Geordie fans working 9 to 5 during the week to get to Dubai, Beijing, Auckland or LA. But I don’t think it is a ridiculous thing. Sometimes it is worth trying new things.”

Many people in the game have questioned the Premier League’s motives and believe that the decision is only financially based. The idea became current after last year’s American Football game between Miami Dolphins and New York Giants took place in Wembley.

Michel Platini, the President of European football’s governing body Uefa, questioned the proposition and suggested it may cause problems in English football. He said: “You already have no English coach, you have no English players and maybe now you will have no club playing in England. It’s a joke.”

Another problem is that there will be an uneven amount of games that are played throughout a season and some teams will have an easier additional game than others. It would be unfair for one team to play Derby and the other to play Manchester United.  While the extra workload could also be a threat to the Carling Cup and FA Cup replays.

Question marks have also been raised by the fans, who may have to spend a small fortune to follow their team. The Football Supporters Association have launched a ‘NO TO GAM£ 39’ campaign. Tens of thousands of fans have already signed a petition to protest against the proposal. Fifa, the football’s world governing body, are not convinced by the plan and Sepp Batter has said; “This will never happen, at least as long as I am the president of Fifa.”

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore insists that plans are still alive despite widespread opposition. He insists a year long consultation will take place with heavy involvement from football’s governing bodies.

“Clearly we will not take this further if it doesn’t meet with some form of acceptance from Fifa. We have got until January 2009 to shape any proposals, to consult widely and properly and to see if we manage to move forward with the prospect.

However, there has been some positive reaction. Roy Keane has given the plan his full backing saying; “I think it is great. Change is good sometimes. It would be a great experience for Sunderland fans. Please God we’re in there.”

Liverpool and England striker Peter Crouch believes the idea is worth investigating, but showed sympathy for the fans. He said: “The only problem is the fans. It’s going to be difficult for them to go wherever the games are played, and the game is about the fans”.

- Scott Lawless