Scudamore hails new fixtures
The Premier League may be taken around the world
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Thursday, 07, Feb 2008 05:50
The Premier League has confirmed that its clubs have held talks with a view to games being played abroad.
A statement released on their website claimed that the clubs had unanimously agreed to further examine the proposal of ten competitive fixtures being played across the world over a weekend in January 2010-11.
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "We are proud the Barclays Premier League is viewed as the strongest domestic football league competition in the world by fans at home and abroad, and we are committed to maintaining this position.
"The 'international round' is an exciting and innovative proposal that needs careful consideration before being introduced."
Outside the meeting in London, Birmingham City chairman David Gold said it was a "fantastic initiative" and an opportunity for the clubs to take their brands globally.
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn was slightly more cautious claiming that there had simply been an agreement to explore the possibilities and further discussions were required.
Mr Scudamore declared that the matches would enhance the Premier League while creating extra interest in its 20 clubs and increasing investment in talent development, facilities and community programmes.
"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 international reach," he said
"Nonetheless, it is critical we retain our English character by improving our efforts to produce homegrown talent, deepening our commitment to community engagement and continuing our investment in the grass roots," he concluded.
It is claimed that the plans involve games being played over a set weekend within the year with points from the matches counting towards the final league standings.