Football Supporters' Association promise 'two-footed' response to any Premier League games overseas
The Football Supporters' Association has promised a "two-footed" response to any plans to stage Premier League matches overseas. It follows quotes that surfaced from Premier League chief executive Richard Masters that the "door looks ajar" for matches to be played overseas, although this was not in reference to the Premier League.
LaLiga chief Javier Tebas has been quoted as saying that "LaLiga intends to hold official matches overseas". However, Masters went on to say: "It is not part of our current plans."
It is known that NBC Sports - current holders of the Premier League broadcast rights in the United States - is eager to bring matches directly to American audiences. This would not be the first time such an idea has been floated; 16 years ago, the concept was roundly rejected following a fan backlash and pressure from FIFA.
In response to the latest developments, the FSA stated on Twitter: "We defeated Game 39 in 2008 and we'd attack any attempted revival with a full-blown, two feet off the ground, studs to the knee tackle."
Looking ahead to 2025, both Chelsea and Manchester City are set to participate in FIFA's inaugural 32-team Club World Cup in the US. As far as bringing Premier League games to an American audience to expand support base, NBC Sports' President of Acquisitions and Partnerships Jon Miller is all for it.
"Very much so," he said. "This is a point that we've had conversations with the Premier League and they've been very open and receptive to listening to me.
"At some point in the future, I would love to see a couple of Premier League games open the season here in big stadiums on our opening weekend.
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"I know that's something that we'll continue to push for because I think that there's an American audience here that would like to see regular-season games.
"But in the meantime, we'll continue to work with the Premier League to do everything we can to make the games available to as many people as possible."
