JJ Watt issues strong 'let's not mess' warning to Birmingham CEO after call to play Wrexham game in the USA

The NFL star acquired a minority stake in Burnley along with his wife Kealia Watt back in 2023, following in the footsteps of Tom Brady, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as an American investor in the English game. He takes a keen interest in the sport and tries to watch the Clarets whenever they are in action, even if he is not a regular at Turf Moor.

Watt must have had one eye on the blockbuster 'Hollywood derby' between Wrexham and Birmingham on Monday night where the Blues emerged 3-1 victors over the Welsh side. After the game, Birmingham CEO Cook was asked if there was any talk of the fixture being played in the USA as both teams boast of a significant following across the Atlantic due to their American ownership.

“Personally, I think that is a great idea,” Cook said. “But I think the EFL wouldn’t see it that way and I think the history and the tradition of our sport and our league tries to ensure that doesn’t happen. That doesn't stop making it a global game even though you are playing here in Birmingham.”

Watt didn't agree with Cook and wrote on X: "The beauty of the English game is the history, the tradition, the passion. These clubs have been around long before any of us arrived and they’ll be around long after all of us are gone. Modernize some aspects that need it, sure. But let’s not mess with what makes it great."

There has been a consistent push to host Premier League games in the USA and FIFA is considering the idea with seriousness. They have set up a working group to find out the possible implications of such a move as the sport's apex governing body looks to spread the game beyond the traditional boundaries. However, to host a League One or a Championship fixture outside the UK remains far-fetched at the moment.