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International Ambitions for the Premier League
Keith Wyness, Everton’s ex-chief executive, has voiced his support for the proposal to stage Premier League matches overseas, an idea recently reignited by Liverpool chairman Tom Werner. Wyness, who led Everton from 2004 to 2009 and now operates a football consultancy, believes that the time has come to consider the “internationalisation” of the Premier League to maintain its status as the preeminent football league globally.
Werner’s New York Dream
In a bold move that could transform the face of English football, Liverpool’s Tom Werner has expressed his determination to see a Premier League game played in New York City. This statement, made in an interview with the Financial Times, has reignited the conversation about taking the English game to an international audience. Werner has suggested compensating domestic fans with affordable travel and accommodation to support their teams abroad.
John Henry’s Cautious Stance
While Werner is keen on the concept, Liverpool owner John Henry has taken a more reserved approach. In the same Financial Times interview, Henry stated that playing games worldwide is not an advocacy or a particular interest of his, signaling a potential divide in opinion among Liverpool’s top brass.
The 39th Game Revisited
The idea of playing Premier League fixtures abroad is not new. A previous suggestion for a 39th Premier League game to be played overseas was dismissed by FIFA’s then-president Sepp Blatter in 2008. Wyness, recalling his support for the original 39th game proposal, believes that the Premier League must expand its horizons, whether through an additional match or by relocating some of the existing 38 fixtures.
Learning from American Sports
Wyness pointed to the successful examples of the NFL, NBA, and MLB, which have held games in England, as a model for the Premier League to follow. He recounted how, during his tenure at Everton, there were dedicated fans willing to travel for their team, suggesting that similar loyalty schemes could facilitate fan travel for international fixtures.
Finding a Solution for Global Expansion
Despite previous backlash from media and fans, Wyness remains optimistic that a compromise can be reached. He argues that with the significant overseas revenue the Premier League generates, there is a responsibility to bring the game to a global audience. Wyness believes that with the right approach, international matches could benefit all stakeholders and solidify the Premier League’s global dominance.
Updates on Hold for Liverpool Star
In related news, contract talks with a key Liverpool player have been unexpectedly paused. Fans seeking the latest on Liverpool and other exclusive news are encouraged to follow updates on social media and dedicated WhatsApp channels.
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