Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has rejected the idea of playing Premier League games in the United States.
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Overseas Premier League game discussedBournemouth owner not a supporterIdea lacks respect for domestic fansWHAT HAPPENED?
Foley, himself an American, is happy for pre-season games to be played between Premier League clubs in the United States, where Bournemouth are facing Arsenal this summer. But he suggested that is where the line needs to be drawn out of respect for the traditions and heritage of English clubs and their fans.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The Premier League's international appeal, particularly in North America, has seen the idea of playing a competitive game on foreign soil discussed on and off for several years. The pre-season Premier League Asia Trophy was first contested in 2003 and it has become increasingly common that English teams face each other on summer tours all over the world. Other globally popular leagues likes the NFL and NBA have also been hosting regular season games overseas for several years.
WHAT BILL FOLEY SAID
"I believe what we are doing today – and there are other pre-season games – is what we should be doing," Foley told . "In terms of playing actual Premier League matches in America? We should play in the UK. That is where they belong. I am very respectful of our fans and the whole system. I wouldn't want to be involved in changing any of that. I believe if you talk to our fans at Bournemouth, they think Foley actually respects our system and respects our heritage. And I do. Premier League games in America? No."
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are among the top-flight clubs that will head to the United States on their pre-season tours.