Duo to shun Prem plans

Nations against hosting Premier League 'international round'

By James Pearson   Last updated: 13th February 2008

Duo to shun Prem plans

Duo against Scudamore's plans

I can't see the wisdom in the proposed (Premier League) plans.

Asia Football Confederation president Bin Hammam
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Australia and Asia have stated they would be against staging Premier League games.

An 'international round' has been suggested whereby a competitive extra 39th league game would be played away from England in order to showcase the league to fans around the world.

However, Australia and Asia are against the plans and will not be bidding to host games should the Premier League get their way.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) chairman Frank Lowy believes bringing games from England would disrupt the development of their Hyundai A-League.

"The bottom line is FFA rejects the notion of another country playing a round of their domestic competition in Australia and intruding on the development of the Hyundai A-League and the game in Australia," Lowy said in a statement.

"We said when this issue first arose last week that FFA's overwhelming priority is to promote the Hyundai A-League and to continue to invest in, and grow, the game in Australia."

No Merits

While Asia Football Confederation president Bin Hammam is open to new ideas and initiatives, he has hinted he will shun the chance to host Premier League games as he does not see the merits behind the plan.

"I always welcome the exchange of knowledge and expertise between foreign football associations and clubs, and support matches organised between AFC and other Confederations which benefit the development of our clubs here in Asia, but I can't see the wisdom in the proposed (Premier League) plans," said Hammam.

"With relation to the overall principle, it is my belief that it is not a good idea to organise domestic leagues in other territories other than their own.

"If this principle is accepted, then the Premier League must accept reciprocal arrangements within their own territory."