Premier League clubs to pursue international expansion

England’s top clubs hope to make the most of their international fan base by holding mini-competitions during winter break, starting in 2011. Asia, Australia, Africa and North America are all potential locations for the competitions.

Both the Football Association and England's team Coach Fabio Capello have expressed concern about the players exerting themselves over the break, when they should be resting. However, the mini-competitions would result in greater international support and hefty financial benefits for the clubs involved.

"Clearly, there's a huge appetite for Premier League football all over the world," a league spokesman told The Telegraph. "We've got to concentrate on making sure our competition is as vibrant as possible. In regard to any increase in international exposure of the league, the clubs have charged the executive with examining all options."

A recent game between Manchester United and Portsmouth only proved that international interest is growing. The game, which took place in Nigeria, received great response from local fans, despite the fact that the venture would have benefited from better planning and ticket prices better suited to the Nigerian economy, according to retired English football player Garth Crooks.

"From an organisational point of view, there was a lot left to be desired. Ticket prices ranged from GBP 40 to GBP 100, which is a lot for Nigeria. A number of fans who couldn't afford the ticket price tried to storm the gates and the police beat them back. When things calmed down, the organisers let them in quietly," Crooks stated.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.