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FIFA rips into Premier League plan
FIFA & UEFA - 18 February, 2008
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FIFA president Sepp Blatter is outspoken on his views of the English Premier League's overseas proposal, calling it unacceptable and an abuse of the game.
The league had announced plans for a 39th match for all clubs during the course of the season. That match would be played at an overseas location in January.
Australia and Japan have expressed doubts about hosting such an event. The Asian federation came out against it. The U.S. has said it would follow the lead of FIFA on this.
It looks like FIFA is against it. Blatter threatened England's hopes of hosting the 2018 World Cup if the Premier League went ahead with plans.
"If you go against the authority of FIFA and the decision-making body which is the executive committee then you cannot expect them to be in your favour later on," Blatter said. "England will not be the only World Cup bid. I cannot imagine that when you go against the deciding body for the decision on the World Cup in an initiative that will not be accepted by this body, that you will enhance your chances. It will not be diplomatic."
His position matches the outspoken one of UEFA president Michel Platini, who also said the move was irresponsible on the Premier League's part.
Blatter ripped into the league, calling it rude for not consulting him, and said it was a matter of one of the world's most profitable leagues just trying to reap more cash and promotion.
He also mentioned he would try to block any federations from granting permission for the league to stage the matches.
He said that Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore would have a chance to explain his position. But he added he didn't want to see clubs become like the Harlem Globetrotters and become a traveling show.
"You must keep the national identity of the clubs," Blatter said.
Scudamore has said that the proposal had the backing of all 20 clubs, however the proposal has met with widespread opposition also within the clubs, with Reading chairman John Madejski, Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has spoken against it. Bernie Ecclestone, QPR co-owner who masterminded Formula One's global expansion, has labelled the idea to take the Premier League abroad as "crazy."
Scudamore however is determined to meet Blatter face to face to put across the advantages of the plans.
"I want to explain the reasons for this proposal to Mr Blatter because I do not think, on the information he will have received so far, he has been given a chance to understand it, or what benefits there would be for the game in England and beyond," said Scudamore.
The league had announced plans for a 39th match for all clubs during the course of the season. That match would be played at an overseas location in January.
Australia and Japan have expressed doubts about hosting such an event. The Asian federation came out against it. The U.S. has said it would follow the lead of FIFA on this.
It looks like FIFA is against it. Blatter threatened England's hopes of hosting the 2018 World Cup if the Premier League went ahead with plans.
"If you go against the authority of FIFA and the decision-making body which is the executive committee then you cannot expect them to be in your favour later on," Blatter said. "England will not be the only World Cup bid. I cannot imagine that when you go against the deciding body for the decision on the World Cup in an initiative that will not be accepted by this body, that you will enhance your chances. It will not be diplomatic."
His position matches the outspoken one of UEFA president Michel Platini, who also said the move was irresponsible on the Premier League's part.
Blatter ripped into the league, calling it rude for not consulting him, and said it was a matter of one of the world's most profitable leagues just trying to reap more cash and promotion.
He also mentioned he would try to block any federations from granting permission for the league to stage the matches.
He said that Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore would have a chance to explain his position. But he added he didn't want to see clubs become like the Harlem Globetrotters and become a traveling show.
"You must keep the national identity of the clubs," Blatter said.
Scudamore has said that the proposal had the backing of all 20 clubs, however the proposal has met with widespread opposition also within the clubs, with Reading chairman John Madejski, Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has spoken against it. Bernie Ecclestone, QPR co-owner who masterminded Formula One's global expansion, has labelled the idea to take the Premier League abroad as "crazy."
Scudamore however is determined to meet Blatter face to face to put across the advantages of the plans.
"I want to explain the reasons for this proposal to Mr Blatter because I do not think, on the information he will have received so far, he has been given a chance to understand it, or what benefits there would be for the game in England and beyond," said Scudamore.
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