The Board of Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust is concerned at reports in the media this week that the Premier League intends to explore the possibility, once again, of playing competitive matches overseas.
Initially tabled in 2008 as an additional 39th game, it is now believed the fixtures in question would form part of the regular 38 game season.
Initially tabled in 2008 as an additional 39th game, it is now believed the fixtures in question would form part of the regular 38 game season.
THST is resolutely against any such move. Potentially reducing the home league season to 18 matches would significantly reduce the value of season tickets and, inevitably, some of the fixtures selected would be high profile games and, even, local derbies. THST believes that every fan has the right to watch a complete English Premier League season in England and every home game at their home ground.
We also believe playing a game abroad would damage the character and identity that makes the English Premier League such a valuable global brand.
THST approached Tottenham Hotspur Football Club for their position on these plans. THFC responded that this was an initial proposal which needed extensive research before it could be considered in any detail. We believe the fundamental idea is so flawed that it does not need further research. We find it disappointing that the Club would be prepared to consider a proposal which takes a live event away from the community which it claims it wants to help regenerate as part of the new stadium project.
Once more the fans seem to be the forgotten stakeholders in the push for globalisation of the Premier League brand. We note that the CEO of Germany's Bundesliga said that an overseas game "would be against our understanding of how the fans should be treated". We urge those running the English game to take a similarly enlightened approach and drop these ill-considered plans.
THST fully supports the Football Supporters Federation and network of Supporters’ Trusts strong opposition to any such plans and will be working with fellow fan groups on a local and national level on a co-ordinated response to this proposal.
We also believe playing a game abroad would damage the character and identity that makes the English Premier League such a valuable global brand.
THST approached Tottenham Hotspur Football Club for their position on these plans. THFC responded that this was an initial proposal which needed extensive research before it could be considered in any detail. We believe the fundamental idea is so flawed that it does not need further research. We find it disappointing that the Club would be prepared to consider a proposal which takes a live event away from the community which it claims it wants to help regenerate as part of the new stadium project.
Once more the fans seem to be the forgotten stakeholders in the push for globalisation of the Premier League brand. We note that the CEO of Germany's Bundesliga said that an overseas game "would be against our understanding of how the fans should be treated". We urge those running the English game to take a similarly enlightened approach and drop these ill-considered plans.
THST fully supports the Football Supporters Federation and network of Supporters’ Trusts strong opposition to any such plans and will be working with fellow fan groups on a local and national level on a co-ordinated response to this proposal.
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