The Premier League chief executive, Richard Masters, recently mentioned that there are currently no plans to take Premier League games to the United States. However, there is a pending lawsuit in Manhattan that could potentially change this stance. FIFA has traditionally been against domestic league games being played in the territory of another member federation, but they recently withdrew from an antitrust suit brought against them by U.S. promoter Relevent Sports. This has opened up the possibility for leagues and clubs, especially in England and Spain, to receive offers from countries like the United States and Saudi Arabia.
During a news conference after the 34-nation European Leagues group meeting in London, Masters expressed that the uncertainty surrounding the court case has left the door open for the possibility of matches being played abroad. While it is not part of the current plans for the Premier League, the situation remains fluid. European Leagues managing director Jacco Swart also echoed this sentiment, stating that taking games abroad is not currently on the agenda for the group. However, he did not rule out the possibility entirely.
In contrast to the Premier League’s cautious approach, LaLiga president Javier Tebas has expressed optimism about the idea of playing official games in the United States. Tebas believes that hosting official games abroad, possibly starting from the 2025-26 season, could strengthen LaLiga’s position in the North American market. This contrasts with FIFA’s decision to block a 2018 plan by LaLiga to play a game in Miami, showcasing the differing viewpoints within the football community.
One of the main challenges highlighted by Masters is the lack of meaningful dialogue between Europe’s leagues and FIFA. While UEFA has provided the leagues group with a seat on its decision-making executive committee, FIFA’s consultation with leagues remains minimal. The recent announcement of FIFA’s Club World Cup, set to kick off in June next year with 12 European clubs participating in the United States, has raised concerns about the impact on player workload and widening wealth gaps among European clubs. Real Madrid and Manchester City have qualified for the tournament, but notable clubs like Barcelona and Manchester United, who are American-owned, did not make the cut.
The potential impact of taking Premier League games to the United States is a topic of debate within the football community. While some see it as an opportunity to expand their reach and market presence, others raise concerns about the logistics and implications for players and clubs. The outcome of the ongoing lawsuit and the response from various stakeholders will ultimately shape the future of international football games.
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