Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore says all 20 clubs support their proposal to play matches abroad.
Prem chief says clubs back overseas move
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore says they have the support of all 20 clubs for their proposal to play matches abroad.
The Premier League announced last week radical plans to play ten top flight matches overseas from the 2010/2011 season, leading to 39 games a season.
The plans have come in for criticism from a number of parties, but Scudamore insists all the clubs remain behind the idea.
"My shoulders are fairly broad. You take this job knowing it's not always going to be an easy ride," he told
Sky Sports News.
"You work for the 20 clubs. Most importantly you have to work from your base that surrounds you and is closest to you.
Support
"It's important we have the support of the 20 clubs and we still have the support of the 20 clubs to investigate and look at the proposal and bring it back.
"The media have tried to make up some idea that people are breaking ranks, but everyone is in the same position.
"They want to know answers to some questions. They want to think through some of the implications for the competition. They want to know whether the whole thing stacks up and that's exactly where we are, so the clubs are solid.
"We had a good meeting yesterday at the professional game board of The Football Association where we explained some more details to our Football League and FA colleagues.
"Because it's the start of the consultation process our professional game colleagues, both Football League and Premier League, were enthusiastic and could see the merits in the proposal, but like all of us need a lot more work to be done."
Unanimous
While Scudamore claims to have unanimous support from all 20 Premier League clubs, Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has stated he is on the fence, while Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner is reportedly against the idea of playing a league game in the United States.
"In fairness to Dave Whelan if you read exactly what he said, it is 'I'm neither condemning it nor condoning it. I need to see whether the numbers stack up'," he continued.
"In a sense that's where all 20 clubs are. There are lots of questions yet to be answered and we need to see whether it stacks up.
"We need to see whether it's worth it. Is the gain worth some of the downside?
"I can deal with the Randy Lerner stuff easily. He was quoted in relation to a direct question of 'Would the Premier League take a game abroad like the NFL did coming to Wembley?'
"Randy Lerner is quite clearly distancing himself from that report. Randy's position on this is very different because it's a proposal that involves all 20 clubs. It's systematic and done for very different reasons.
"It's a strategic play that involves all 20 clubs that creates and makes sure our solidarity mechanisms and that the league stays together when doing this, rather than cherry-picking the odd game or a club or doing something differently.
"So Mr Lerner is entirely comfortable with this proposal."
Fans
Initial reaction from fans over the 39th game proposal have largely been negative, but Scudamore is looking to engage them in the process in order to find the best solution of who plays who.
"We've seen the comments that Gordon Brown has made and he's absolutely right. The fans must be consulted.
"That in itself is a challenge in how you actually consult with fans. There are supporter groups, there's a national supporters federation. Then there are supporter groups at clubs plus many more.
"We're working on what is quite a complicated consultation process right now and that's important.
"We wouldn't be doing this unless we thought what was going to be put on was going to be a very, very exciting Premier League proposition.
"It is our intention that as many fans travel from this country to watch the matches. It's also very, very important what is transmitted back in broadcast terms is as unique and attractive a proposition can be.
"We want fans to be engaged and see the opportunity for it. The one important thing that we've not talked about yet is the actual format of who will play who and how.
"Again, opinion on that is welcome as to what is the fairest and best way of doing it. We're not fixed on that at all. I have a cupboard full of models on how it could work. None of which at the minute are out in front as the leading contender."
