Premier League chief executive Richard Masters recently made a statement indicating that there are currently no plans to take Premier League games to the United States. However, he did mention that this could change depending on the outcome of a lawsuit in Manhattan. The lawsuit, filed by U.S. promoter Relevent Sports against FIFA and the U.S. Soccer Federation, has prompted FIFA to shift its long-standing policy of blocking domestic league games from being played on the territory of another member federation.
If the Premier League were to organize games abroad, there is speculation that European leagues and clubs, particularly those in England and Spain, could receive offers from countries like the United States and Saudi Arabia. While Masters stated that taking games abroad is not currently in the league’s plans, he acknowledged that the uncertainty surrounding the court case has potentially left the door open for matches to be played in the United States.
European Leagues managing director Jacco Swart mentioned that taking games abroad is not currently on the agenda of the group. While he did not rule out the possibility entirely, he emphasized that it is not a priority at the moment. On the other hand, LaLiga president Javier Tebas expressed optimism about the idea of playing official games in the U.S. He believes that it could strengthen LaLiga’s position in the North American market, which is the second-largest market for the league after Spain.
FIFA had previously blocked a 2018 plan by LaLiga to take a game to Miami, and Masters highlighted the strained relationship between Europe’s leagues and FIFA. He criticized the lack of meaningful dialogue with FIFA, contrasting it with UEFA’s decision to give a seat on its executive committee to the leagues group. The upcoming Club World Cup, scheduled for June next year in the United States, will feature 12 European clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester City. However, the distribution of prize money by FIFA raises concerns about widening wealth gaps among European clubs and the increase in player workload for teams reaching the final.
The debate surrounding the possibility of Premier League games being played in the United States continues to generate mixed opinions and uncertainties within the football community. While some see it as a potential opportunity to expand into new markets and increase revenues, others raise concerns about the impact on players, club finances, and the overall integrity of domestic leagues. As discussions evolve and court cases unfold, the future of international games in the Premier League remains a topic of great interest and controversy.