World NewsAmericans Won't Go Against FIFA |
The Premier League's plan to stage matches overseas has suffered another blow with the news that the head of American soccer would not go against the wishes of FIFA to host games.
FIFA, world football's governing body, will look into the proposal for a 39th round of English matches being taken abroad at their executive committee meeting on March 14.They have so far refused to back or shoot down the scheme championed by Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, but UEFA president Michael Platini has already insisted it would "never be received" by FIFA.
Scudamore on Sunday claimed the matches could go ahead without the say-so of FIFA, but Sunil Gulati, president of the US Soccer Federation, is adamant he would never allow games to go ahead without the blessing of Sepp Blatter.
"We've been reluctant to have official games played in the US," he told BBC Sport.
"We'll be guided by Fifa on this matter. But if it's not in line with its rules then we won't sanction it.
"We had a similar proposal 10 years ago when a team playing in Los Angeles wanted to play in the Mexican league. We didn't let that happen and Concacaf (the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) said no.
"We understand it's a global sport but it's about nurturing the home game.
"If Fifa said 'okay, it's up to the relevant FAs', then we would look at it.
"We have got a great relationship with the English FA and there's a lot of good reasons to look at it. But there are also some issues that we have got which would cause us to be very hesitant."
Gulati's revelation is particularly damaging given the early signals from America were that they would be one of the few countries willing to host some or all of the matches.
Officials from both Australia and Japan, touted as possible destinations, have already expressed broad opposition to the idea.
But Scudamore remains determined, adding: "Clearly, there are a lot of hurdles to overcome.
"We've seen how sport is globalising, we compete in the entertainment industry.
"We understand it's a global sport but it's about nurturing the home game.
"This is a solidarity move where all 20 clubs want to do it. It benefits all of them and it's far better we all do it rather than allow single clubs to."
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
Have YOUR say - What do you think about "Americans Won't Go Against FIFA"? Tell us NOW in the comment section below.
Have you got a scoop? Tell us about it and you could be the first to break the news on FourFourTwo.
