stozo Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 BBC reporting that all 20 clubs have agreed to explore a proposal in which season would be extended to 39 games and the extra game would be played abroad. The English Premier League is considering playing some matches overseas, BBC Sport has learned. At a meeting in London on Thursday, all 20 clubs agreed to explore a proposal to extend the season to 39 games. Those 10 extra games would be played at venues around the world, 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 could be seeded to avoid playing each other. It is unlikely that any decision will be taken before the Premier League's annual summer meeting in June. Should the proposal get the go-ahead, cities in Asia, Middle East and North America are likely to show a strong interest in hosting the extra games. BBC Sport believes there would be five venues, with two games - on a Saturday and Sunday - taking place at each one. BBC sports editor Mihir Bose says the Premier League's decision to explore such a move is a "logical" one. "The growth of the Premier League has been impressive in the last 15 years thanks to the sale of television rights in this country," he said. "But now the market in the United Kingdom is becoming saturated and it is the overseas market which is now the big target area." A number of top-flight clubs already play matches around the world as they seek to capitalise on the huge global interest in the English game. Manchester United are regular visitors to Asia, Middle East and America while other clubs are beginning to follow their lead. "This is a chance for the Premier league to showcase their product around the world," added Bose. "Some fans may feel aggrieved, but their concerns will be outweighed by the advantages. "Clubs will see this as a chance to make more money so they can invest in new facilities and better players." Just which cities "It will be like cities bidding for the Olympic Games or the World Cup." http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7232390.stm Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NG32 Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Linkage? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belfast Boy Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I thought it was pancake day this week, not april fools. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ally Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Thats one of the most stupid things i've ever read. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NG32 Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Why not just play friendlies abroad against other premiership clubs. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dokko Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Imaging a club winning the title or being relegated abroad by the extra 3 pts from these games? Would be hell on. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NG32 Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I would hate to think of the premier league season having to be decided on a game played abroad. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
danswan Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I don't understand. So we might have to play, say, Man United 3 times in one season, whereas others wouldn't have to? How could they make this fair? I have no other objection to it to be honest, if it was only one fixture. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
geordie2000 Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Why not just play the charity shield overseas. or do something similar to the PRO Bowl in America, could be North v South. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbo_11 Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Don't see the point in it when clubs already play 4 or 5 friendlies abroad in pre-season, so what will be different by having one league game added to the season for the overseas spectator when they can see a club more than once while on tour? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest maddog2 Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I actually think it's a great idea in principle but the details would have to be worked out - 39 games is stupid as some teams would have to play a top side thrice while others would have to play it twice - instead they could just play one gameweek abroad. Think we're atleast 3-4 years away before this is feasible though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Immsy7 Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I really can't see the advantages outweighing the disadvantages tbh. Awful idea and probably wont happen when the FA sober up. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quailman Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 So following the footsteps of the NFL with the Dolphins and Giants playing at Wembley last year. They are now doing that every year, but obviously it's just the 2 teams from one of the divisions, instead of what they are proposing (all 20 teams) - in a way that actually seems fairer! They are doing it as a way of promoting the game, but with Soccer, the game doesn't need to be promoted, but it would definitely draw in more revenue and excitement about the premiership worldwide. The premiership is already huge in North America and Asia, so I suppose it's a way of rewarding there support instead of them traveling to England as many already do. I'm a bit skeptical about added one extra game and also about the random draw. Just doesn't sound like many teams would favour it, contrary to that article. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest gggg Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I really can't see the advantages outweighing the disadvantages tbh. Awful idea and probably wont happen when the FA sober up. Nowt to do with the FA. It's the premier League dreaming this up i.e the 20 premiership clubs including ours Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geordie Boot Boy Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Sounds like an awful idea motivated by money to me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Cwazy pran. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ridzuan Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Great news.Now Im considering whether I should migrate to Newcastle in the future or not.If this is true,then I might not think about migrating then. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gray Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 wtf, how will that work? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Spectrum Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 While the concept is flawed, If the creases are ironed out its workable. (Eg, forget the 39th game, it would just be an ordinary fixture). However. I want no part of it. Its a slippery slope from this to Timbuktu Massives vs Montreal Magpies and we're better off steering well clear. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 The only move abroad I could accept would be a bi-annual playoff of 8 or 16 teams, based on the best performers over two seasons. Therefore league and cups are left untouched. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
1878 Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Seeding for league matches? I hope that's a fucking joke Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Face Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Christ almighty Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
toon25 Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Sounds like an awful idea motivated by money to me. Exactly, what a complete load of bollocks. Yet another way of destroying the culture and tradition of the game. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Peter.Sthlm Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 It might work for the biggest clubs but can't imagen anyone wanting to see Wigan play Derby in Paris, Tokyo or New York... Accutally I reckon it would be hard even for NUFC, Everton and Tottenham as long as none of them take Liverpools place in the big four for 3-4 years running. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEMTEX Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 I'm all for playing a game or 2 abroad. The proposition there however is a big old pile of wank Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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