Premier League Chairman Claims There's a 'Burning Desire' for Matches to Be Held Abroad
There is a "burning desire" to host Premier League games abroad, but it is unlikely to happen in the near future, says Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore.
Speaking in Hong Kong ahead of the Premier League Asia Trophy, Scudamore again showed interest in the idea of the Premier League playing games abroad. Per Mike Keegan of Mail Online, the league chairman was supportive of playing games internationally, but hesitant due to the potential backlash from fans and media alike, as seen when the idea was initially suggested in 2014.
He said: "I've got the scars all the way up my back...Is there still a burning desire? The clubs would like to do it but we are also realistic...until the fan, political and media reaction is any more warm towards it, it won't happen."
He went on to praise the dedication of Premier League fans from countries around the world, stressing that the enjoyment of live Premier League action should not only be restricted to locals:
"That global success has come from interest that other fans have. This is not a patronising, false interest. The bit that always strikes a chord is how knowledgeable and passionate they are. I would put a lot of [international fans] up against anyone back home, pub quiz, in terms of knowledge of the club."
HONG KONG, HONG KONG - JULY 19: Liverpool FC forward Mohamed Salah (front) fights for the ball with Crystal Palace defender Damien Delaney (back) during the Premier League Asia Trophy match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Hong Kong Stadium on July 19, 2017 in Hong Kong, Hong Kong. (Photo by Victor Fraile/Getty Images)
Victor Fraile/GettyImages
Scudamore also highlighted that should an international fixture occur - something highly unlikely for at least several years - it would not constitute a 39th fixture, but rather be one of the current 38.
The Premier League Asia Trophy is currently ongoing, with the final between Liverpool and Leicester City set to take place this upcoming Saturday, at 8.30pm HKT/1.30pm BST.
