Premier League must strike right balance in global expansion

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - The Premier League must find a balance between continuing its global expansion and ensuring clubs satisfy the local fan base and keep their stadia full in an era of television dominance, former FA vice-chairman David Dein has said.

A 39th game played abroad has been suggested as the league, which is broadcast globally, tries to enhance its exposure and popularity overseas.

"There is a balance to be struck," Dein, attending the Soccerex Global Convention as an ambassador for the Premier League, told Reuters.

"The clubs want to promote themselves overseas, but you have to be careful you don't deny your fans the chance to see your team play.

"If, all of a sudden, they are playing in Sydney, you are not going to be able to make it to that game.

"In the bigger picture it is great exposure but the fans are the life and soul of the game and there must be a balance. It is not a concern that football will lose its soul; the passion is there and the stadia exude a great atmosphere."

However Dein said the Premier League is "not complacent" and is looking to explore new markets.

"People talk about China because of the massive population and it is an exploding market - they are increasingly involved in the Premier League now with ownership of clubs - but clubs are going all over the world on pre-season tours to promote themselves and television does it all for them," he said.

"The fact NBC in America shows every game simultaneously tells the story. Television makes people famous - people are wearing people Jamie Vardy shirts all over the world.

"Every league wants to be at the top. When I came into football in 1983 it was Italy, with England five or six. Now we are number one by a streak, the challenge is to stay there."

While the former Arsenal supremo does not favour the creation of a European Super League, he said he had previously been keen on the idea of Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers joining England's top flight.

"I'm opposed to a European Super League because we have that in a Champions League," he said.

"Anything that is elitist I am against because just because your name is Barcelona or Real Madrid or Bayern Munich or Arsenal you should not expect to join an elite group. You have to earn the right.

"Leicester was a Cinderella story in the Premier League last season and we want those stories.

"I once tried to promote Celtic and Rangers coming to the Premier League ... but I can't see it happening because of the fear factor of clubs worrying about them coming to take their place."

(Editing by Greg Stutchbury)


Share

3 min read

Published

Source: Reuters



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world