Asia open to 39th game

Bin Hammam willing to listen to revised plans

Last updated: 9th October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Asia open to 39th game

Bin Hammam: Could take 39th step

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Mohamed bin Hammam has revealed that the Asian Football Confederation are willing to listen to proposals for an extra round of Premier League games.

Plans for each Premier League club to play a 39th game overseas were widely opposed last season.

The idea would have seen matches played in cities around the world including many in Asia.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore announced earlier this week that he was still exploring the possibility of taking the English game global.

AFC president Bin Hammam was not happy with the initial plans but he would be prepared to reconsider if the Premier League made some alterations.

Bin Hammam has now met with Scudamore in London to discuss how the Premier League can help to improve and develop football in Asia.

"Whatever plans the Premier League may or may not have, the AFC is prepared to listen to advice and support," Bin Hammam told reporters.

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"I'm not saying I have changed my mind about (opposing) two teams playing in different territories.

"English league to be played in China, or in Qatar? A lot of people like the idea. Our (Qatar) national association liked the idea but they have not thought about it from the same angle I thought about it."

Bin Hammam added that the Premier League was offering initiatives to help close the gap between Asian and European football.

He explained: "We want them to share with us their secret of success."

Bin Hamman remains concerned that television companies in Asia are willing to spend millions on Premier League broadcast rights instead of their own leagues.

"The J-League is more important than the Premier League in Japan but that is the exception," he said.