The English Premier League rules out the need to play abroad

Europa Press

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, August 14, 2025, p. a11

London. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the tournament's need to play matches abroad to increase its global appeal has "dissipated" since the idea of playing a match abroad was first mooted in 2008.

Given the possibility of the Spanish league and Italian Serie A playing one match in the United States and another in Australia, respectively, the executive expressed opposition to this stance for the English tournament.

“The fact that (the proposals described above) are being implemented hasn't changed our view on matches abroad,” Masters told Sky Sports News. “We already considered playing Matchday 39, amid much controversy. Our goal when we thought about it was to help grow the league around the world.”

The CEO noted that "billions of people tune in to the Premier League," so they have "achieved that goal through other means, and the need to play matches abroad has dissipated."

Villarreal and Barcelona want to play their scheduled matchday 17 LaLiga match in Miami. The Royal Spanish Football Federation has given its approval, but they will also need the green light from UEFA, CONCACAF, and, finally, FIFA.

Meanwhile, AC Milan and Como's plan to play a Serie A match in Australia in February has been approved by the Italian football federation, but is still being reviewed by Football Australia.

Meanwhile, the Premier League's top official called for patience while the legal case involving Manchester City drags on for another season.

The club was accused by the English Premier League in February 2023 of committing more than 100 financial violations, including providing misleading information about its sources of income. An independent commission heard arguments in the case between September and December of last year, but no verdict has been reached.

The sanction could reach expulsion from the top flight. City has always denied the charges.

The issue looms over the start of another Premier League campaign, as the 2025-26 season begins tomorrow. But Masters reiterated that the league has no control or say over the timing to make a verdict.

▲ Toluca remains undefeated in the Liga MX Femenil after beating Guadalajara 2-1 in a match played at Nemesio Diez Stadium, thanks to goals from Amandine Henry (right) and Eugenie Le Sommer (45). In another match, León defeated Bravas de Juárez 3-2. Photo @TolucaFemenil

La Jornada Newspaper, Thursday, August 14, 2025, p. a11