Last month all 20 Premier League clubs decided to explore the
possibility of playing an additional game abroad in the near future. If
the proposal goes through, from 2011, each season there will be an
international round of matches. Each club would make an estimated £5
million from the game.

The games will all be played on the same day in January, with a week’s
grace either side to give sides time to travel, and would take place
one after the other from 10am to 10pm. While all the owners were unanimous in saying the plan is a great idea
to make the league a truly worldwide brand, most managers are unhappy
that they weren’t consulted about the idea.

Gareth Southgate had described it as an early April fool joke. Sir Alex
Ferguson is allegedly unhappy that the proposition was unveiled before
been discussing it with managers and players.

Kevin Keegan added: “It will be pretty tough for Geordie fans working 9
to 5 during the week to get to Dubai, Beijing, Auckland or LA. But I
don’t think it is a ridiculous thing. Sometimes it is worth trying new
things.”

Many people in the game have questioned the Premier League’s motives
and believe that the decision is only financially based. The idea
became current after last year’s American Football game between Miami
Dolphins and New York Giants took place in Wembley.

Michel Platini, the President of European football’s governing body
Uefa, questioned the proposition and suggested it may cause problems in
English football. He said: “You already have no English coach, you have no English
players and maybe now you will have no club playing in England. It’s a
joke.”

Another problem is that there will be an uneven amount of games that
are played throughout a season and some teams will have an easier
additional game than others. It would be unfair for one team to play
Derby and the other to play Manchester United.  While the extra
workload could also be a threat to the Carling Cup and FA Cup replays.

Question marks have also been raised by the fans, who may have to spend
a small fortune to follow their team. The Football Supporters
Association have launched a ‘NO TO GAM£ 39′ campaign. Tens of
thousands
of fans have already signed a petition to protest against the proposal.
Fifa, the football’s world governing body, are not convinced by the
plan and Sepp Batter has said; “This will never happen, at least as
long as I am the president of Fifa.”

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore insists that plans are
still alive despite widespread opposition. He insists a year long
consultation will take place with heavy involvement from football’s
governing bodies.

“Clearly we will not take this further if it doesn’t meet with some
form of acceptance from Fifa. We have got until January 2009 to shape
any proposals, to consult widely and properly and to see if we manage
to move forward with the prospect.

However, there has been some positive reaction. Roy Keane has given the
plan his full backing saying; “I think it is great. Change is good
sometimes. It would be a great experience for Sunderland fans. Please
God we’re in there.”

Liverpool and England striker Peter Crouch believes the idea is worth
investigating, but showed sympathy for the fans. He said: “The only
problem is the fans. It’s going to be difficult for
them to go wherever the games are played, and the game is about the
fans”.

- Scott Lawless