Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has made it clear that the league currently has no intentions to take games outside of the United Kingdom. Despite the potential for lucrative offers from countries like the United States and Saudi Arabia, Masters emphasized during a news conference that international games are not part of the league’s current agenda. While FIFA recently withdrew from an antitrust suit filed by U.S. promoter Relevent Sports, opening up the possibility of league games being played abroad, Masters maintained that there are no concrete plans in place for such a move. The uncertainty surrounding the lawsuit has left the door slightly ajar for the possibility of matches abroad, but it remains a distant prospect at this point.
European Leagues managing director Jacco Swart echoed Masters’ sentiments by stating that taking games abroad is not currently on the agenda for the group. Swart, a former executive at the Netherlands’ Eredivisie league, emphasized that while he does not rule out the idea entirely, it is not a focal point for the group at the moment. Despite U.S. sports leagues regularly scheduling games in European cities like London, the European Leagues group is hesitant to follow suit and organize games outside of their respective countries. The lack of clarity from FIFA on the matter has further complicated the situation, as Europe’s leagues struggle to establish meaningful dialogue with the organization.
In contrast to the Premier League’s cautious stance, LaLiga president Javier Tebas has expressed enthusiasm for the idea of taking games to the United States. Tebas stated in an interview that LaLiga is looking to play official games abroad, with plans potentially coming into fruition as early as the 2025-26 season. Tebas believes that hosting games in the U.S. will bolster LaLiga’s presence in the North American market, positioning it as the second-largest market for the league after Spain. While FIFA blocked a previous attempt by LaLiga to hold a game in Miami, the organization’s current policy is less rigid, opening up the possibility for future international matches.
The introduction of FIFA’s Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams including 12 European clubs, is poised to add more complexity to the issue of international games. The involvement of top European teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City presents both financial opportunities and challenges for the clubs. The significant prize money offered by FIFA could lead to wider wealth gaps among European clubs, potentially skewing the competitive landscape. Additionally, the increased workload on players, with up to seven additional games for teams reaching the final, raises concerns about player fatigue and injury risks. Despite the potential benefits of expanding into international markets, the Premier League and other European leagues must carefully weigh the implications of such a move on their teams and players.
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