The president of Liverpool is “determined” that Premier League matches be played in the United States | first division
Liverpool chairman Tom Werner says he is 'determined' to see a first division match played in New York and wants the matches to be moved to different places around the world.
The concept of playing domestic matches abroad is controversial and there are currently no plans to implement such an idea. FIFA, however, launch a task force formulate recommendations in this regard, bringing it one step closer to its realization.
“I am determined that one day a Premier League match will be played in New York City,” Werner told the Financial times. “I even have a crazy idea that there would be a day where we would play a game in Tokyo, a game a few hours later in Los Angeles, a game a few hours later in Rio, a game a few hours later in Riyadh. and make it a kind of day where football and the Premier League are celebrated.”
To appease domestic fans, Werner suggests that they can be compensated with cheap travel and accommodation to attend matches held abroad. However, in the same interview, Liverpool Owner John Henry said the idea “is not something I particularly advocate for or care about.”
Sixteen years ago, the Premier League made a proposal for the 39th match to be played in venues outside the UK, but was forced to cancel it amid opposition from FIFA.
It is currently not allowed for league matches to be held in another country, but changes to the rules became possible after FIFA resolved a legal dispute with the American promoters Relevent Sports. FIFA confirmed that it had reached an agreement “pending… consideration of changes to FIFA's existing policies regarding playing official season matches outside of a league's home territory.”
Premier League clubs periodically visit the United States for pre-season tours. Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool will travel to the country this summer to play friendlies. United played Arsenal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in front of a crowd of 82,262, indicating the appetite for football in the country.
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La Liga wants to move matches to other countries by 2025 and many major clubs are interested in that proposal as they look to maximize revenue by taking advantage of new markets.