League delay FIFA meeting
26 Feb 2008 - 20:23:58
The Premier League's plan to play a 39th game abroad appears to be in tatters after officials pulled out of a trip to see FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Thursday.
Chief executive Richard Scudamore had planned to go to Zurich to discuss the proposal which would see each team in the top-flight play an extra league game from 2010/11 onwards on foreign soil.
The controversial plan had come under fire from various quarters since it was announced earlier in the month and the Premier League has confirmed a proposed trip to see Blatter has now been put on ice.
"Having consulted with FIFA, we have decided to delay our planned visit while we conduct further work before addressing them and their confederations formally," read a statement.
"We sincerely believe that the Premier League has much to offer the development of the game internationally as witnessed by the many federations and leagues that currently seek our involvement and advice.
"There never has been a rush to conclude these matters, and we are more than willing to take time to develop our proposals further before seeking approval - without which it is not our intention to proceed."
Speaking last week, the Football Association questioned the wisdom of the proposal and urged the Premier League to rethink its current plans.
Newly-installed chairman Lord Triesman had called the plan "unsustainable".
Meanwhile, a statement from the world governing body read: "FIFA have been advised by the English Premier League that the league, accompanied by senior representatives of the English FA, does not seek a meeting with FIFA at this time to discuss the project of a 39th match day to be played abroad.
"FIFA welcome the Premier League's decision and initiative - which re-establishes the positive and constructive relations between the FA, the FA Premier League and world football's governing body."