15 replies to this topic

[Wizard]

Sure most of you will have seen this piece of news by now and if not, I will summarise it.

The English Football Premier League (That's the real football to our American friends, not your version!) has decided to host 1 extra game a year in a country other than England. Countries, or more precisely, cities will be able to table bids to host these extra games once a year.

Now this has caused uproar here in the UK as the diehard fans see it as selling out. That a club doesn't care about it's own fans but only making money abroad. It will upset the balance of the league as there are 20 teams and 38 games. This extra game will be seriously imba the whole league based on how it has been rolled out as an idea so far. And obviously a miniscule ppn of the real season ticket holders will be able to afford the tickets and costs of travelling to say Miami to watch the game.

Now, I know how I feel about this, what I want to know is how those abroad feel. I am sure there are some of you from outside Europe that would like to see Man Utd &/or Chelsea play live. Would you go along? Would you like to see more of our league? Do you think it's fair to leave the "real" fans at home?

[Dauth]

I would like to see Football (Soccer) from the UK abroad, I feel with investment and passion the US could create a fantastic league and rival the great teams of Europe. As Villa fan European exposure suits my team, we ae on the cusp of the Big boys and thus more people seeing our claret and blue shirts is good.

While I know the Browns aren't a top team but I have American investment to thank for the Villa revival, and I feel the fans of the Browns should see the fruits of their money. I know I was fascinated when American Football visited Wembley.

[Overdose]

I'm not brittish so I can't comment on what's fair or not. England is no small time player in football (I'd say unlucky) but I think a lot of people abroad would like to see it. Even here where we breed football gods like bunnies would pay to see your football. Your one of the few countries with it's own style of play which grants respect.

[Dauth]

The only change I'd insist on before we let the players loose on the rest of the world is that refs should get more respect. Like in rugby or American football, you call them Sir, and you certainly don't swear in front of them.

[Wizard]

^ I could not agree more with you on that particular point Dauth.

I can't see that it will be America (Nrth) that will be the targeted venue quite as much as the far/middle east. Think of the Billions in Petrodollars floating about in Dubai. This is money they want to chase, not the fans money.

I agree that the extra cash would help the likes of Villa & Spurs (mine) but but something about this whole thing rancours with me atm.

[Dauth]

I feel cruel enough already to the USA, they showed us American Football (and its emmintantly watchable, however I think the adverts would drive me nutty, and one person singing a National anthem is downright strange) and we inflicted Simon Cowell on them.

I don't want to teach the populus that falling over with a breath of wind *Cough*ChristianoRonaldo*Cough* is ok. Football evolved from 2 villages having huge mob fights. Not some pansies falling over. Must be why I like the Villa grinding style football...

[Wizard]

First thing Blatter has ever said that i agree with

[Mbob61]

i agree with mr blatter on this. I think it is a stupid thing to do and just another way to try get even more money at the expense of the "real fans".
This proposal would mean that every team plays an extra game yes? so if your an American person would you really wanna go an see Watford vs Sunderland for example.
Personally if i was American, i dont think i would.
Plus, if this did ever happen, it would give all the bigger clubs even more money and the lower division clubs lke mine wouldn't even get a look in any more.
I heard someone say something the other day on this matter that i agree with. he said " the premier league is all about money these days. The football is just an added bonus, money is the real game"


Mike

[RedOctober]

Stupid, if only for the question of who in the right mind would pay to see Fullham vs Derby County? I saw both play against Brum City and they played sh*t. Admittedly Brum were lacklustre for the most part against Fullham, with the defence and keeper deserving to be shot for the last five minutes against Derby, but they played a much better on the whole and managed to keep 0-0 for 80 minutes against Chelsea! I could see people paying to see Man United vs Arsenal/Chelsea, but lets be serious, who else are they going to pay to go and see, Aston Villa vs Wigan?

I also think they should so something about the number of foreign players, 2 on the pitch at any one time. That can help our lack of home grown talent.

[Mbob61]

Well the problem is, too many teams are utterly dependent on foreign talent. most of the premier league would collapse if they were restricted to 2 foreign players but i agree its a good idea.
Perhaps initially limit them to 6 then lose 1 each year to cause a gradual change and give them time to find some British talent.
I know i sure as hell wouldn't wanna go see Fulham vs Wigan no offense to their supporters, but the game just isnt a massively exciting fixture is it

Mike

[Nid]

Dauth, on 9 Feb 2008, 21:37, said:

I would like to see Football (Soccer) from the UK abroad, I feel with investment and passion the US could create a fantastic league and rival the great teams of Europe. As Villa fan European exposure suits my team, we ae on the cusp of the Big boys and thus more people seeing our claret and blue shirts is good.

I know this is an Old post but...
You're a Villa Fan, in Manchester?
Do you wanna swap with a few of the Man U fans down here?
We've probably got more than we have Villa or Blues fans around this area.

Also, [Agree] with Tpam. Arsenal now sports the French National Team.

Moar Edit:
@TPATPAM
What's wrong with Villa?
From what I can see, they're creeping up the necks of Man U and Arsenal.
And Chelsea = Fail without Mourinho.
Times have changed, so has the Premier League

Edited by Niddy, 16 February 2008 - 20:47.

[Dauth]

I am from the midlands, I'm just studying at Manchester University.

Limiting to 2 international players is just stupid, it smacks of trade barriers an tarrifs tbh two of the foulest concoctions a state could have. Free movement of trade FTW!

[smooder]

I dont see what the fuss is. It promotes the English game abroad and increases interest in the teams. How can that be a bad thing?

[Dauth]

It's disliked here because the fans will be missing out, it's disliked abroad because we are cashing in.

[TehKiller]

Agreed with TPAM.....I mean if you want to want a game abroad then thats why we have UEFA and the Champs League.....every nations league should be played at their own turf not outside of the country (I mean who would want to see Newclastle against Tottenham in the Allianz Arena? or in Nou Camp? i mean WTF )

[Reaper94]

$$$$

well more like

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