The Global Game

The Premier League and its Chief Executive Richard Scudamore have announced than an extra round of competitive league games could to be staged abroad in the 2010-2011 season. Reaction to this has been mixed – and rightly so. UK-based supporters are strongly opposed, as is the majority of the media. Furthermore, those countries that may host the match appear lukewarm to the idea, along with the governing bodies. The new Culture Secretary, Andy Burnham, has been mindful not to endorse the scheme.

Such a round of extra fixtures are expected to strengthen the league’s hand when discussing its next TV deal. Michael Platini, UEFA President, argued in an Economist ‘World in 2008’ article that a fascination of sport should prevail over a fascination for money, yet his advice does not seem to have been heeded by Scudamore et al.

It is not just that such an extra round of matches seems to have been concocted for fiscal reasons that makes this proposal unsettling, it is the lack of thought being given as to the implications of such matches.

Taking matches abroad means dealing with the social and cultural issues that can be found there. Manchester United recently made a mid-season visit to Saudi Arabia, a trip organised in all likelihood to help lessen the financial burden the Glazer’s have given the club. Yet, as the Guardian’s Richard Williams correctly highlighted, no consideration was given to the fact Manchester United were playing in front of 80,000 men as women were not allowed to attend. No consideration was given to the fact that having Manchester United playing such a match may been seen by some as the club, at best appearing ignorant to the issue of women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, and at worst endorsing that status.

If the Premier League and English teams really must chase global money, and competitive fixtures abroad are to become a reality, they should be better prepared to deal with global issues.