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The debate over Premier League matches being played abroad has resurfaced, sparked by UEFA’s recent decision to sanction La Liga and Serie A fixtures on foreign soil. Despite UEFA’s assurance that this will not set a precedent, the move has reignited discussions about the potential for English clubs to follow suit. Burnley chairman Alan Pace, who also owns Spanish club RCD Espanyol, recently expressed a nuanced stance on this issue during a fan forum.
Alan Pace said: “I’ll be very clear on this one. I would vote for it. But I don’t think you have to do it for one of the seasonal games that are meant for the league, but I can see them doing it for a cup or a special cup that allows for it or something that finds a way to strike the balance. I do think that building an opportunity for both the league and the fans to travel to another place and see games, there’s something in it. Would I be willing to vote for the exploration? Yes, I would. Would I be willing to take our game against, let’s say, Man City and play it elsewhere? No, I don’t really think so.”
While Pace is open to exploring international matches for specific events, he remains cautious about relocating regular league fixtures. The Premier League, for its part, has consistently stated its lack of interest in pursuing such expansionist strategies. Richard Masters, the league’s chief executive, reiterated in August that there are no plans to host English top-flight matches abroad.
The concept of a “39th game,” proposed in 2008, was met with significant resistance and never materialized. However, the allure of new markets and financial gains keeps the conversation alive. The Premier League, already a global brand, faces pressure to capitalize on international opportunities, despite existing challenges such as player welfare concerns and the crowded fixture schedule.
The idea of Premier League matches in exotic locations, like Arsenal and Crystal Palace playing in Los Angeles, or even more fantastical scenarios like a Merseyside derby on a flotilla in the Bermuda Triangle, captures the imagination. Yet, it also raises practical concerns for fans, who might find themselves adjusting to inconvenient match timings due to time zone differences.
Despite the ongoing debate, there is a glimmer of hope for those opposed to the idea. La Liga’s proposed match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami, initially scheduled for December, has yet to come to fruition. This suggests that even if Premier League officials consider the financial incentives, logistical and regulatory hurdles could still prevent such matches from becoming a reality.
In conclusion, while the prospect of Premier League fixtures abroad remains a contentious issue, the league’s current stance and the challenges faced by other leagues indicate that such a move is not imminent. However, the conversation is far from over, and the potential for international matches will likely continue to be a topic of discussion in the football community.
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