Premier League Matches Overseas: Football Supporters’ Association Vows “Two-Footed” Response

The Premier League logo on a flag -Credit:Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

The Football Supporters’ Association has issued a strong warning in response to potential plans to stage Premier League matches overseas. Richard Masters, Premier League chief executive, recently hinted at the possibility of English top-flight games being played abroad, sparking concern among fans.

NBC Sports, the current holders of the Premier League broadcast rights in the United States, has expressed interest in bringing matches directly to American audiences. This idea had previously been rejected 16 years ago due to backlash from fans and pressure from FIFA.

In a tweet, the FSA declared, “We defeated Game 39 in 2008 and we’d attack any attempted revival with a full-blown, two feet off the ground, studs to the knee tackle.”

Looking ahead to 2025, both Chelsea and Manchester City are slated to participate in FIFA’s inaugural 32-team Club World Cup in the US. NBC Sports’ President of Acquisitions and Partnerships Jon Miller has voiced support for bringing Premier League games to American fans to expand the support base.

“We’ve had conversations with the Premier League, and they’ve been open to listening to me,” Miller said. “I would love to see a couple of Premier League games open the season here in big stadiums on our opening weekend.”

While plans for overseas matches are not currently on the table, NBC Sports is committed to working with the Premier League to make games accessible to as many people as possible. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how this situation unfolds in the coming years.