Scudamore sticks to his guns as MPs blast plan for 39th game

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore was today forced to defend the under-fire plan for an international round of matches at a meeting with a hostile group of MPs.

And Scudamore admitted that the League will not be able to push ahead with clubs playing a 39th game in a foreign city unless they get the agreement of FIFA, the Football Association and the Football League.

He was quizzed by a committee of MPs today, some of whom described the plans variously as "daft", "barmy" and "bent".

Scudamore told the Culture, Media and Sport select committee: "It's certainly not a dead duck - it has only just started and we have only had 10 days of a year-long consultation process.

"This is a set of proposals which is a work in progress and yes it has had some hostile reaction. Clearly we are not going to take this forward if it in any way does not in any way meet with some form of acquiescence from FIFA.

"Certainly the FA and the Football League will also have to be comfortable with whatever move and whatever direction we take."

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has already criticised the proposals while the FA board will meet on Thursday to decide their response.

Scudamore is planning to fly to Zurich next week to see Blatter and try to persuade him of the benefits of the plan.

Scudamore was also challenged about the distorting effect of a 39th match on the symmetry of the Premier League.

Mike Hall, MP for Weaver Vale, pointed out that a relegation-threatened club could end up playing the title-holders three times.

Hall said: "It's already fatally flawed - it's a completely barmy idea."

Scudamore did admit for the first time that the plan might be scrapped. He added: "If it's deemed not to be worth it we will think again about our global expansion."