Ferguson: Not consulted

The idea of the 39th game is not getting any support, in England, at the moment.

Sir Alex Ferguson.
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Sir Alex Ferguson insists that the Premier League's plan for an 'international round' of matches is not popular with fans in England.

The idea would see the 20 top-flight clubs add a 39th fixture to their calendar from 2010/11, with cities in the USA, Far East and Australia lined up as possible hosts.

Ferguson was speaking in Johannesburg to publicise Manchester United's pre-season tour of South Africa in July when they will tackle Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

Sarcastically referring to the 'gem of an idea', the Red Devils manager again criticised the fact he had not been consulted before the announcement of the radical scheme.

Decision

He said: "This gem of an idea that burst into the newspapers on Friday just prior to my press conference took me by surprise.

"All clubs should be able to discuss an idea before any kind of decision is taken.

"The idea of the 39th game is not getting any support, in England, at the moment."

Asian snub

And Asian Football Confederation president Mohammed bin Hammam has firmly rejected the idea of the Premier League staging games in Asia.

Several cities in Asia have been proposed as possible, but Bin Hammam was unequivocal in his stance that he would not endorse a proposal which was detrimental to Asian domestic leagues.

"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," he said in a statement.

"But at the present time, I can't see the wisdom in the proposed plans.

"My recommendation to the AFC executive committee would be to reject any initiatives of this nature. And we would urge the AFC member associations to protect their own national leagues and clubs within their territories. This is our position.

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

Bin Hammam also suggested the idea that if the scheme does become a reality, other countries should be allowed to do the same in England.

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