A meeting of the 20 clubs this morning has agreed to the concept of extending the season to 39 games.

The 10 extra games would be played all over the world in cities such as Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles, Singapore, Sydney, Johannesburg, Dubai and Beijing. Who would then bid for the right to stage matches.

The extra fixtures could be decided by a draw to pick out each side’s overseas match. The top five sides could then be seeded to avoid playing each other.

And under the proposal, points earned in the overseas game would count towards the final league position.

The idea would be to cash in on existing interest in the Premier League around the world, and the extra money generated from TV would be split equally among the 20 clubs.

The League have called a news conference for this afternoon where they are expected to elaborate on the proposal but no final decision is likely to be made before  the Premier League's annual meeting in June.


One club source said: “The Premier League is a global game now. Everyone knows how popular it is around the world and this proposal went down so well because every club would be involved, not just a few.

“The Premier League has always worked as a co-operative of 20 clubs and this would increase everyone’s income, showcase the league to the rest of the world, and be exciting to those fans in this country who either want to travel to the game or watch it on TV.

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FARCE

08.02.08, 3:04pm

I have read afew papers now and a lot of players agree and disagree with this proposal.
So we have Sunderland versus Wigan, neither of these clubs fill the ground each week but now they have to all fly off to Australia to play in Sidney, just how many will turn up to watch them, no club fans except those who have emigrated there and local fans turning up I don't think so.
Why when the premiorship is already over stretched with games especially those teams in european competion and still in the cups, how is it possible to fit them in, and with maybe the odd cup replay as well.
Why not do this for all divisions in football then we can make Rochdale and Darlington got to the far east.
This is totally ridiculous, all teams have a pre season tour, but only the big clubs go to places like the USA, Australia, China, Japan. Why is this because they can afford it and the fans turn out for them, not so for the likes of Derby Fulham etc.
Also Alex Fergusaon said when United went over and did a tour or the far east China, Korea and Japan that the reason for the poor start to the season was because of all the travelling the players did.and they were tired.
Phil Neville says that it may be a good thing BUT there would have to be at least a 2 week break so this would entail squeezing in more games so as not to go past the European Cup final when I beleive all leagues have to finish now. Also what would happen if a player got injured and put out for the rest of the season on these silly matches because when he got back he was tired and mistimed a tackle.
NO I SAY stop it now.The big clubs are rich enough if it is about money then all the proceeds should go to the lower leagues to keep them teams afloat.

• Posted by: KEEF • Report Comment

WHAT A FARCE

08.02.08, 2:14am

What a farce this would turn out to be cant believe so called intelligent grown ups can think this will work ,how can Derby V Wigan be attractive in Barcelona I ask you .

• Posted by: yessam1 • Report Comment

ANOTHER IDEA

08.02.08, 12:00am

Tell you what why not scrap the Premiorship sell all the grounds for supermarkets and just play all the games abroad.
It will save any trouble at the grounds from hooligans, and we could all go and support the lower league clubs.
Also as suggeted the points count to the premiorship, how can the resolve United getting Derby and Arsenal gettin Aston Villa, rather one sided is not.
OR have I missed something and it is April 1.

• Posted by: KEEF • Report Comment

MORE GAMES

07.02.08, 11:53pm

I thought managers were complaining that the players had to many games as it is.
When woulld they play this game before the cup final. or champions cup final, so if the get a game to be played in Japan, Thailand, Australia they will really be ready for the next game won't they.
Will this game count in points to the premiorship????
It is just a money grabbing exercise, I would love to know who proposed this farce.
Can you imagine United being drawn as suggested against Derby United will have no problem financing the trip, but Derby going all the way to Japan.
The big clubs go to these places in pre-season each year so why change it. THere is TV to promote English football.
Also in World cup or Euro year it is just what the home nations managers want the players to get injured in some pointless game.

• Posted by: KEEF • Report Comment

GREED

07.02.08, 9:38pm

pure greed they cant get anymore out of the supporters in this country so they want to milk them abroad greed greed greed

• Posted by: gerry • Report Comment

GREAT IDEA!

07.02.08, 9:06pm

It would probably go over really well,but only if the "supporters" are left in the U.K.!

• Posted by: Royb • Report Comment

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