The Premier League chief executive, Richard Masters, recently addressed the idea of taking league games to the United States. At the moment, there are no concrete plans in place to make this move. Despite this, Masters acknowledged that the landscape could shift depending on the outcome of a lawsuit currently underway in Manhattan. This lawsuit involves FIFA, U.S. promoter Relevent Sports, and the U.S. Soccer Federation. The Premier League seems to be in a state of uncertainty regarding the possibility of organizing games abroad, particularly in the United States and other potential markets like Saudi Arabia.
European Leagues Group’s Perspective
European Leagues managing director, Jacco Swart, expressed a similar sentiment to Masters. He stated that while taking games abroad is not a current priority for the group, it is not entirely off the table for the future. Swart, drawing from his experience at the Eredivisie league in the Netherlands, pointed out that U.S. sports leagues regularly schedule games in European cities like London. This intercontinental exchange of sporting events is not uncommon, and there could be potential for European leagues to follow suit in the future.
In contrast to the cautious approach of the Premier League and European Leagues group, LaLiga President Javier Tebas expressed optimism about the idea of holding official games abroad, specifically in the United States. Tebas projected that LaLiga could potentially begin playing official games in the U.S. as early as the 2025-26 season. He emphasized the strategic importance of expanding LaLiga’s presence in the North American market, which is second only to Spain in terms of significance for the league. Tebas’s bold statements indicate a willingness to explore new opportunities for growth and fan engagement through international expansion.
FIFA’s Evolving Policy
FIFA’s historical stance on hosting domestic league games in foreign territories has undergone a shift, as evidenced by its decision to withdraw from the antitrust lawsuit initiated by Relevent Sports. In the past, FIFA actively blocked proposals like LaLiga’s plan to play a match in Miami. However, the current outlook is less definitive, with the potential for greater flexibility in allowing such ventures. Richard Masters lamented the strained relationship between the European leagues and FIFA, highlighting a lack of meaningful dialogue between the two parties. This disconnect raises questions about the future collaboration and decision-making processes between the leagues and the global football governing body.
The introduction of FIFA’s upcoming Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams, including 12 from Europe, playing in the United States, underscores the changing landscape of international football competitions. Real Madrid and Manchester City have secured a spot in the tournament, while Barcelona and Manchester United, despite their global stature, did not qualify. The lucrative prize money offered by FIFA poses both opportunities and challenges for European clubs, potentially widening the wealth gaps within the sport. Additionally, the added strain on players, with up to seven more games in the tournament, raises concerns about their workload and performance sustainability throughout the season.
The debate surrounding the prospect of Premier League games being taken to the United States reflects the broader trend of globalization in football. While some stakeholders remain cautious and prioritize existing structures, others see international expansion as a gateway to growth and market expansion. The evolving policies of FIFA and the shifting dynamics between football organizations signal a new era of possibilities and challenges for European clubs and leagues navigating the complex landscape of modern football.
Leave a Reply