Now even Scudamore gives up on Game 39

The Premier League called off their proposed meeting with FIFA president Sepp Blatter in Zurich on Thursday knowing they faced yet another beating over a project that has been subjected to worldwide derision.

Having been made well aware that Blatter's feelings towards the proposals had not changed — the FIFA president slated the 39th game as 'an abuse to football' less than a fortnight ago — Scudamore made his first sensible move in 19 days by calling time on his crazy idea.

This followed Scudamore's discussions with his FIFA counterpart Jerome Valcke, who is as opposed to the project as Blatter. The FA, who were accompanying Scudamore to Switzerland, had called it 'unsustainable'.

The Premier League statement, as face-saving as it was possible to be in such humiliating circumstances, talked of a delay before they return to Switzerland having refined the plan for all 20 clubs to play the 39th match over one weekend in five cities around the globe.

But the 39 steps is now officially dead and if the Premier League do ever go back to FIFA to seek approval for a foreign expansion, they will need a far more diplomatic plan which must have the support of football authorities at home and abroad.

The statement read: 'The Premier League have been discussing their strategic global development with numerous professionals throughout the football world. It is our considered view that we need to conduct further internal studies and consultation before seeking the advice of the world governing body FIFA and the key confederations.

'This project is still very much in its infancy, was always subject to development, clarification and wide consultation and we remain disappointed that these facts and many others were lost when early opinions were formed by many without any detailed knowledge.

'Having consulted FIFA, we have decided to delay our planned visit while we conduct further work prior to addressing them and their confederations formally. We are more than willing to take time to develop our proposals further before seeking approval, without which it is not our intention to proceed.'

The words used by the Premier League in twice mentioning they would seek the approval of FIFA and their confederations next time is a stark admission of the monumental tactical blunder Scudamore made in keeping Blatter, UEFA President Michel Platini and Asian Football Confederation chief Mohamed Bin Hammam out of the loop. As a result, Project Scudamore was blown out of the water in only 19 days under the fierce fire of UEFA, FIFA and Asia.

It is very doubtful whether Scudamore will still be around Gloucester Place to mastermind a second front. The 39 steps was his grand design and it is likely he will leave the Premier League in due course to take up one of the many job offers that come his way.

But Scudamore has done far too much for the Premier League to be forced out of office over this one giant gaffe. He will go in his own time when the right opportunity and challenge tempts him — probably a senior position in the Rupert Murdoch empire.

A FIFA statement: 'FIFA is happy with this development and thanks the Premier League leadership for its constructive approach.'