Premier League: Clubs open to discussing idea of playing round of competitive games abroad
Wednesday 8 October 2014 19:36, UK
Sky Sports News HQ understands that Premier League clubs are open to discussing the idea of possibly playing a round of competitive games abroad some time in the future.
Tim Leiweke, the former chief executive of the Seattle Sounders MLS team, says he believes there's a huge market for Premier League games to be played in the United States.
During the summer 109,000 fans watched the Manchester United and Real Madrid friendly at the “The Big House,” in Michigan, while Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City also played summer friendlies in America.
Leiweke said: "In the US the friendlies have been spectacular, I think the fans know now that the gamers that count are more meaningful so I would say there is a great appetite in the US for this.
"It's a big debate and it's one that's need to be decided by leagues and fans and even players."
FIFA vice-president Jeffrey Webb agrees that it would be good for Premier League clubs to play some competitive games abroad.
He added: "The US market is a great market not only for the English Premier League but other leagues as well and I believe it's going to be a great promtion for the games."
