PL delay Fifa global meeting

Scudamore: Global idea

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The Premier League has postponed its meeting with Fifa over the plans for an 'international round' of fixtures.

The meeting was due to take place on Thursday, with Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore set to discuss the proposal for each top-flight club to play an additional fixture in a foreign city with Fifa president Sepp Blatter.

However, the Premier League has revealed that the meeting has been delayed as it looks to 'conduct further internal studies and consultation' before holding discussions.

A statement from the Premier League read: "The Premier League have been discussing their strategic global development with numerous professionals throughout the football world.

Advice

"It is our considered view following these discussions that we need to conduct further internal studies and consultation before seeking the advice of the world governing body Fifa and the key confederations.

"This project is still very much in its infancy, was always subject to development, clarification and wide consultation and we remain disappointed that these facts and many others were lost when early opinions were formed by many without any detailed knowledge.

"Having consulted with Fifa, we have decided to delay our planned visit whilst we conduct further work prior to addressing them and their confederations formally.

"We sincerely believe that the Premier League has much to offer the development of the game internationally as witnessed by the many federations and leagues that currently seek our involvement and advice.

"There never has been a rush to conclude these matters and we are more than willing to take time to develop our proposals further before seeking approval, without which it is not our intention to proceed."

Fifa statement

A statement from Fifa read: "Fifa have been advised by the English Premier League that the league, accompanied by senior representatives of the English FA, does not seek a meeting with Fifa at this time to discuss the project of a 39th match day to be played abroad.

"Fifa welcome the Premier League's decision and initiative - which re-establishes the positive and constructive relations between the FA, the FA Premier League and world football's governing body."

The proposal has already been criticised by a number of managers, while Blatter has voiced his opposition.

FA chairman Lord Triesman has also outlined his concerns, questioning the potential harm the plans may have on England's 2018 World Cup bid, fixture congestion and the impact on the fortunes of the national team.