'Fans will hate it' - Premier League 'certain' to play games abroad as English club owner admits matches in United States 'is good for business'

Amid talk of Premier League and English Football League games being played in the United States and other far-flung places, Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has given the proposal his backing. He claims this will definitely happen during seasons one day, this could lead to more lucrative TV deals for teams across the football pyramid, and fewer clubs will be in financial trouble as a result.

When asked if Premier League and EFL games will be played abroad, he told talkSPORT: “It’s a dead-cert. You have to look at the NFL who are the second biggest industry in sports after Premier League money for TV deals. The reason for that is that they’ve grown their product by having games in Brazil, London, Germany – I think they’re going to Mexico next year, Asia will be next.

“Forget friendlies in the summer, there’s no doubt in my mind that the next evolution to move the product along for bigger TV deals will be to have the odd Premier League and EFL game abroad so that in the next TV rights deal, we’ll have less clubs in financial trouble in the EFL.

“It’s a good thing. I know fans will hate it, but I’m telling you that a bigger TV deal for us is good for business and anything that helps us have our product reach across the world, like this, is something worth doing."

While this may be profitable for the biggest teams and sides further down the English football league, British fans want to see their sides each week on their own shores - rather than having to pay huge sums to see them abroad. During a cost of living crisis where ticket prices for games are repeatedly going up; ideas such as these are not likely to go down well with supporters. But, with pre-season games being played around the world and there being a growing audience for the sport, it may be a matter of time before it becomes a reality.

While plans to have a Wrexham versus Birmingham City match played in the United States for this upcoming League One season were rejected, the topic is unlikely to go away. New revenue streams and extra funds is an enticing prospect for any side - so the matter is likely to rumble on.