Premier League chief executive Richard Masters recently addressed the possibility of taking league games to the United States. While the league currently has no concrete plans in place for such expansion, Masters hinted that the situation could change depending on the outcome of a lawsuit in Manhattan. This shift in policy comes after FIFA decided to withdraw from an antitrust suit filed by U.S. promoter Relevent Sports, which also involves the U.S. Soccer Federation. This move by FIFA opens up the possibility of domestic league games being played on the territory of another member federation, sparking interest from countries like the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Masters expressed that the ongoing court case has created uncertainty around the possibility of organizing games abroad. He mentioned that while it is not part of the current plans for the Premier League, the situation is evolving. With the door potentially opening for matches abroad in America, European leagues and clubs could receive offers from various countries interested in hosting these games.
European Leagues managing director Jacco Swart shared a similar sentiment, stating that taking games abroad is not currently on the agenda for the group. While he did not rule out the possibility entirely, he emphasized that it is not a focal point for European leagues at the moment. Swart highlighted the fact that many U.S. sports leagues regularly schedule games in European cities, indicating a precedent for such cross-border sporting events.
In contrast to the Premier League and European Leagues, LaLiga president Javier Tebas expressed a more optimistic view on the idea of playing games in the U.S. Tebas mentioned that LaLiga intends to have official games abroad in the near future, potentially starting from the 2025-26 season. He emphasized the importance of strengthening LaLiga’s position in the North American market, which is the second-largest market for the league after Spain.
FIFA’s stance on organizing games abroad has shifted over the years, with the organization previously blocking a 2018 plan by LaLiga to play a match in Miami. The current policy is less clear, leading to increased dialogue and debate among European leagues, FIFA, and UEFA. Masters lamented the lack of meaningful consultation with FIFA, highlighting the stark contrast in communication styles between UEFA and FIFA. The upcoming Club World Cup in the United States will see 12 European clubs participating, with potential financial implications and player workload concerns arising from the tournament.
Overall, the potential expansion of the Premier League to the United States raises various logistical, financial, and competitive considerations for European leagues and clubs. While the idea presents an opportunity to tap into new markets and engage with a broader international audience, it also brings about challenges related to travel, scheduling, and fairness in competition. As discussions continue and the landscape of global football evolves, stakeholders will need to carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of such a significant shift in the traditional structure of domestic league competitions.
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