Author JeffEyesRimmer So talk of the so called 39th game has resurfaced this week amid comments made by Charlie Stillitano, executive chairman of Relevent Sports, saying the success of exporting NFL games to England has not gone unnoticed by American owners of Premier League clubs. His comments indicated that the US would happily take games of the EPL if they could, especially given the success of the preseason Internatioanl Champions Cup (The cup that Relevant Sports organised). While the EPL has said that it has no plans to resurrect the idea, Richard Scudamore the Premier League Excuarive chairmen dismissing it recently, La Liga has said they would consider taking La Liga games outside of Spain. At this point I would like to stress that we at Football Outcasts are against the idea of the 39th game and hate that it's just another idea from the big clubs to squeeze more money out of the market. Let's not kid ourselves here its purely for big clubs to play against other big clubs to draw the big crowds. Barcelona playing Real away from home would be a big draw but would Levante v Real Betis? No disrespect to those clubs but it's unlikely to draw the attention of the US or China markets in my opinion.
The EPL too would be the same, an Arsenal v Chelsea match in say Miami would likely bring in a massive crowd. Would West Brom v Watford? It's purely a money making scheme and one that clearly highlights that consumerism is more important than the fan base that developed the club in the first place. Ok, so while I think I have made my position clear, (hate the idea!) is there any good that can come from the playing of an extra game in a season abroad? - I may have bitten off more I can chew here. So let's start with the big one, money. It's the obvious and biggest one. Theres a reason why clubs now go to America, China and Australia etc. in their preseasons now and its mainly due to generating cash flow from those markets be it from the tickets, sponsorship or merchandise sales. My fellow Outcast Joe attended the Liverpool game back a few seasons ago in Melbourne for instance. The potential extra cash from a big game abroad can really help all sides, especially when 100k Liverpool and Melbourne fans were present at the MCG. While I mentioned Joe going to the Liverpool game, as many of you know, he is a lifelong Liverpool fan. However, he took his son with him too. While Joe and other lifelong fans will attend games abroad as its a chance to see their club, the clubs will want to target the sons and daughters not yet affiliated with the club. By taking the team abroad then they can make fans in the next generation and so continue their fanbase. A major item has been the promotion of the game and the clubs/leagues involved. How this would work for the EPL, which is already the biggest I don't know, but it could potentially promote clubs not often in the limelight or promote leagues. For instance taking the La Liga outside of Spain would promote it and potentially garner more support to help close the gap to the EPL. Sunderland were given more money for coming 20th last season in the EPL than Real Madrid were for winning the La Liga. The promotion and additional income generated could help close that gap. While an extra game could be played it could be an opportunity to blood academy graduates too, giving them game time and exposure to big crowds. Rules could be set to include an number of academy graduates (I know I'm clutching at straws here). Do you guys have any others? I think it's a tricky one and I do hope that clubs dont attempt to push for it. |
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June 2018
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