Global plan not 'dead duck' - Scudamore - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Global plan not 'dead duck' - Scudamore

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore insists the plan for an international round of matches is not a "dead duck" despite hostile opposition.

But Scudamore admitted to MPs 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 - who have criticised the proposals - the FA and the Football League.

He was quizzed by a committee of MPs on Tuesday and 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."

He added: "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."

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

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