Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.

England overseas matches slammed

England overseas matches plan slammed

Posted: 3 December 2009 Time: 08:51 pm

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The English Premiership plan to play matches in overseas cities, including Johannesburg, has achieved the rare distinction of uniting the popular and heavyweight press, with almost universal condemnation in Britain's newspapers today.

“For Sale, our national game, said The Mirror, adding ‘outrage at greedy plan’.

‘Football’s sold its soul,’ said The Express, ‘Global warning’ - The Sun, ‘They're killing our game,’ - Daily Mail.

The Independent weighed in with ‘Chase for cash threatens to rob game of founding principle,’ while The Times said ‘Fans furious at Premier League plans for world domination.’

In a comment piece the Daily Telegraph said that the plan was a bargaining chip to be used by the Premier League in discussions with the FA over giving players more time off from league games before internationals.

Every paper carried reaction from managers and former players, most condemning the idea for its logistical problems as well as an example of the game moving ever further from its traditional fan base.

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Anonymous
posted: 04:15 pm
But people, do we expecting any common sense from the UK fools.They want the games close to them so that when they start to fight they can run home not fly.
Anonymous
posted: 04:40 pm
Well if their product is good and people want to buy it, let them take it to other countries....price of free market systems. On the other hand, this will be a big blow to local leagues, especially the new ones that are still trying to build support bases. On the other hand, maybe in might encourage people in those countries to start going to soccer matches.

I just hope somebody thinks of the unintendent consequences
Anonymous
posted: 08:17 pm
business wise the plan is interesting but they are forgetting one important thing and that is, the players.How stressful is it going to be to them.Everyone wants to see Ronaldo play,does that mean he has to play for 11 months a year,including flying around for the national team,for the pre-season games,for the champoins league, and now for this extended league.It is crazy.I know they earn a lot of money but they are humans.And a human body has limits which sometimes ends up affecting the player badly.At the moment we have at least not less then 10 players every year dying from heart problems,thru playing too many games(as part of a problem),and yet management want to earn more money,so why not add more games?It is crazy.
Anonymous
posted: 09:27 am
this is totally no a good idea for johannesburg( the stinking city) after they have failed to attended local games but so excited about going out to watch khanyi and chommee stinking pussies.
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