The
Premier League chairman insists there is no plan to play a 39th fixture
abroad, despite top-flight clubs' interest.
Richard Scudamore, speaking at the Premier League Asia Trophy, admitted he
still has wounds from the backlash against the initial idea of a round of
matches being played on foreign soil, which was mooted three years ago.
Liverpool and Leicester will contest the final of this year's pre-season
tournament in Hong Kong on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Premier League,
while Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea are all
featuring abroad in the International Champions Cup this summer.
Premier League clubs continue to illustrate ambitions of maximising their
market appeal in other continents, but Scudamore assured English supporters
there are no plans to up sticks for a foreign fixture as yet.
"I've got the scars all the way up my back (from the last time)," he said.
"Look, I may be at the Premier League for five, 10, 15 or 20 years. There is
no plan to do it.
"Is there still a burning desire? The clubs would like to do it but we are
also realistic that says until the fan, political and media reaction is any
more warm towards it, it won't happen."
Scudamore added: "If it did happen it wouldn't be a 39th game.
"I think there would be a desire to do a round of fixtures internationally
but there is no prospect of it happening any time soon or in anybody's
realistic timeframe.
"We have no time set for it but I am a man of belief. I thought it was the
right thing to do I, still do."
Scudamore believes the passion for the Premier League from fans in far
corners of the world can match those on the terraces in England.
"I fully understand those who have bought a season ticket, been to every
game home and away for the last 25 years, deem themselves to be at the
highest echelon of fan commitment," he said.
"I get that. You can't take that away from anyone but also I think those
fans realise that now the Premier League and those clubs are global success
stories.
"That global success has come from interest that other fans have. This is
not a patronising, false interest. The bit that always strikes a chord is
how knowledgeable and passionate they are.
"I would put a lot of people here on these trips up against anyone back
home, pub quiz, in terms of knowledge of the club."
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