Asia blockade: Opposition growing to 39th step

Global opposition to the Premier League's 'international round' is growing so fast that North America now looks to be the only region that will embrace the beleaguered project.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter, by demanding immediate discussion at the world governing body's next executive committee meeting, and UEFA chief Michael Platini, with his withering criticism, have already demonstrated fierce resistance.

Now Mohammed Bin Hammam, the Asian confederation president and the third most powerful administrator in world football, has told advisers he is also massively opposed to the playing of a 39th Premier League match in five different countries over a weekend.

Hammam's AFC football empire stretches to 46 member countries, including many of the destinations being pencilled in by the Premier League such as Australia, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

And, together with his powerful ally, Japan's Junji Ogura, the AFC high command could be a formidable bridge too far for the Premier League's plans.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore can also discount Africa where there is not the money available to make matches worthwhile.

The South American CONMEBOL have strong domestic leagues, while Oceania does not have the necessary infrastructure.

That leaves North America for Project Scudamore and they are not ready for the Premier League to arrive lock, stock and barrel.

Also, the U.S. Federation, who are expected to decide in June whether to make a rival bid to England for the 2018 World Cup, will not want to alienate FIFA by being too accommodating to the Premier League.

Likewise Australia, who are also interested in hosting 2018.

Scudamore argues that his widely criticised blueprint could even assist England's World Cup campaign.

But no one was taking that spin seriously, especially an FA insider who said: "If that helps the bid, I'm the Pope's illegitimate sister."

The FA, despite public diplomacy, are understood to be furious with the PL's ambition to rule the world.

Scudamore must hope that his great friendship with FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke will help him soften FIFA's stance.

Scudamore, talking to BBC's Sportsweek, said of the plan: "It allows us to grasp the globalisation nettle, which we cannot ignore. It is my duty not to ignore it.

"I would be criticised wholly if we let the League stray into the slow lane while others passed us. It is a strategic play. And there is no perfect hierarchy where FIFA can tell UEFA, who tell the Premier League what to do."