'I'm determined!' - Liverpool chairman Tom Werner insists Premier League must take games to USA as he floats 'crazy idea' of fixtures around the globe

In a bold and potentially transformative vision for the future of football, Werner has reiterated his commitment to taking Premier League matches beyond the shores of the United Kingdom. The idea of playing Premier League matches abroad is not a new one, but it remains highly contentious. Sixteen years ago, the Premier League proposed an additional "39th game" to be played internationally, a concept that faced staunch opposition and was ultimately abandoned due to FIFA's disapproval. However, recent developments suggest a shift in the landscape, with FIFA now considering the impact of such moves more seriously. According to BBC Sport, FIFA is set to establish a working group to explore the implications of hosting competitive domestic matches in foreign countries.

Werner's vision for the Premier League is expansive and ambitious. Speaking to the Financial Times, he stated: "I’m determined one day to have a Premier League game be played in New York City. I even have the sort of crazy idea that there would be a day where we play one game in Tokyo, one game a few hours later in Los Angeles, one game a few hours later in Rio, one game a few hours later in Riyadh and make it sort of a day where football, where the Premier League, is celebrated.”

Recognizing the potential backlash from domestic fans, Werner suggested measures to ensure their inclusion and satisfaction. He proposed compensating local fans with affordable travel and accommodation packages to attend matches abroad. This approach aims to mitigate concerns about alienating the core fanbase and maintain the Premier League's connection with its loyal supporters. However, Werner's partner at Liverpool, John Henry, remains sceptical of the idea, describing it as "not something that I advocate or am particularly interested in."

The United States has become a focal point for football's expansion, with Premier League clubs regularly visiting for pre-season tours. This summer, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool are among the teams scheduled to play friendlies in the U.S., with substantial crowds anticipated. For instance, a match between Manchester United and Arsenal at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey attracted over 82,000 fans, underscoring the growing appetite for football in the country. It's not just the Premier League looking to internationalize its fixtures. La Liga has also expressed interest in moving matches to other countries by 2025.

Werner's vision for Premier League matches abroad represents a bold step toward globalizing one of the world's most popular sports leagues. While the concept faces numerous challenges and significant opposition, the potential benefits in terms of revenue generation and international fan engagement are substantial. As FIFA and other football governing bodies explore the feasibility of such initiatives, the dream of a truly global Premier League may come closer to reality.