Richard Scudamore, the Premier League’s chief executive, is hoping that shuttle diplomacy will help to convince the sceptics of the merits of the so-called international round as opposition to its proposals for a 39th match intensified yesterday.
After holding talks with Brian Barwick, the FA chief executive, in London at a meeting of the governing body’s Professional Game Board (PGB) yesterday, Scudamore is planning to fly to Zurich next week for discussions with Sepp Blatter, the Fifa president, before going on to outline his plan to the various potential host cities and confederations around the world.
Starting his charm offensive at home appears prudent, as Sir Alex Ferguson seemed to speak for many yesterday when he claimed that everyone in England was against the idea.
The Manchester United manager is still furious at not being informed of the controversial proposal by his own board, but is also opposed to it as a matter of principle, with the weight of his words not being diminished by having been spoken on a promotional tour to South Africa.
“The idea of the 39th game is not getting any support in England at the moment,” Ferguson said. “This gem of an idea that burst into the newspapers on Friday took me by surprise. All clubs should be able to discuss an idea before any kind of decision is taken.”
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The FA’s position is less clear-cut. Its backing will be essential if the international round is to get off the ground, but it is being careful not to rule anything out. Lord Mawhinney, the Football League and PGB chairman, issued a statement yesterday welcoming the “innovative and exciting” proposals, though there is widespread unease elsewhere in Soho Square, particularly among the game’s amateur representatives.
Scudamore will seek to emphasise the advantages in a private meeting with Barwick before the full FA board meets on February 21.
“Members of the PGB welcomed the opportunity to discuss the concept of the international round with the Premier League,” Mawhinney said. “The PGB was pleased to confirm that last Thursday’s announcement was only the start of a process and that the Premier League itself recognises the necessity of a detailed period of consultation with the FA, the Football League and other significant stakeholders in the game.
“The PGB, however, did note that this was an innovative and exciting proposal and . . . appreciated the strategic need for it to be explored comprehensively.”
While hostility at home was expected, the Premier League has been surprised by the level of opposition from potential host cities, with officials in the United States, South Africa and Australia expressing doubts. Mohammed bin Hammam, president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), was the latest to speak out yesterday and even raised the notion of a reciprocal arrangement whereby Asian clubs could play competitive matches in England.
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“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,” bin Hammam said. “But 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. If this principle is accepted, then the Premier League must accept reciprocal arrangements within their own territory.”
The AFC demonstrated its influence last summer by forcing Manchester United to cancel a proposed friendly in Malaysia because of a clash with the Asian Cup, which the country was co-hosting.