The Debate: Should Premier League play games abroad?

Feb 12 2008 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

Alan Weston on an issue which perturbs even the Prime Minister

REPORTS the English Premier League is considering the idea of staging some matches around the rest of the world has provoked a heated reaction - with even the Prime Minister wading into the debate.

All 20 Premier League clubs have agreed to explore a proposal to extend the season to 39 games from 2011, with the extra round of fixtures being played in five host cities.

While many supporters are unhappy with the plans, Sunderland manager Roy Keane and his Newcastle counterpart Kevin Keegan are among those to have given their support.

But Premier Gordon Brown called on the Premier League to listen to the views of the fans before moving ahead with plans to introduce overseas games.

Mr Brown also believes the money earned from the foreign matches should be used to keep ticket prices down.

At a meeting in London last Thursday (Feb 7), all 20 clubs agreed to explore a proposal to extend the season to 39 games.

Those 10 extra games would be played at five different venues, with cities bidding for the right to stage them.

It is understood the additional fixtures could be determined by a draw but that the top-five teams - which include Liverpool FC - could be seeded to avoid playing each other.

If accepted, there is likely to be a big scramble for the right to host the extra games, with cities in Asia, the Middle East and North America all likely to show a strong interest.

The Football Association has given its provisional support to the plans.

A final decision on the proposals will not be made until January, 2009.

Today we ask: Should Premier League games be played abroad?

alanweston@dailypost.co.uk

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