Liverpool chairman pushes for Premier League matches in US
Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has expressed his strong interest in bringing English Premier League games to the United States, specifically New York City.
His vision extends beyond just one game, as he imagines fixtures being held in various global cities, despite the backlash from fans.
Back in 2008, then-Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore suggested an additional round of fixtures outside England, known as ‘Game 39.’ The proposal was heavily criticized by fans and ultimately scrapped.
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Recently, the concept of playing domestic matches abroad has gained traction again. FIFA announced last month that it would reconsider its stance on ‘out-of-territory’ matches, sparking new discussions.
Werner, in an interview with the Financial Times, revealed his ambitious plans: “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 a day where football, where the Premier League, is celebrated.”
He added that the plan would include affordable travel and accommodations for local fans, suggesting Liverpool supporters could travel to New York if the team played Nottingham Forest there.
However, Liverpool owner John Henry distanced himself from the idea, stating in the same interview that he does not support or have a particular interest in it.
The Liverpool FC Supporters Board, in a statement on X, clarified that Werner’s comments were his personal views and not something the club is currently considering. They emphasized that any such decision would require consultation with the Supporters’ Board, as per their agreement.
This isn’t the first time a top European league has considered overseas matches. Spain’s LaLiga attempted to stage a match between Barcelona and Girona in Miami in 2019, but the plan was abandoned due to insufficient support. Additionally, the Spanish federation (RFEF) has hosted the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia in recent years.
