England's world cup bid not in danger

England's bid for the 2018 World Cup will not be put in danger by ground-breaking proposals to play league matches abroad, Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter voiced his opposal to the plan on Thursday, warning that the proposals could harm England's attempt to host the World Cup.

The Football Association on Friday night also expressed "serious reservations" about proposals to play league matches - a 39th round of fixtures - in venues across the world.

The FA are mindful of the detrimental impact which could be caused by a decision to press ahead with the idea in the face of opposition from FIFA and the game as a whole.

Scudamore, however, said he felt there had been something of an over-reaction.

"We were told we would have the opportunity to talk to the FIFA president about our proposal," he said. "I do not see how there can be speculation about the possible impact on the 2018 World Cup campaign until this meeting has taken place." Scudamore is also determined to meet Blatter face to face to put across the advantages of the plans.

"I want to explain the reasons for this proposal to Mr Blatter because I do not think, on the information he will have received so far, he has been given a chance to understand it, or what benefits there would be for the game in England and beyond," he told The Times.

"I am not sure he knows the wealth we generate beyond our league, such as the 124 million pounds that filters down through the game over here." Earlier this month it was announced Premier League clubs had unanimously agreed to further examine a proposal which would create a new round of 10 competitive fixtures to be played across the world over one weekend in January, beginning in the 2010/11 season.

However the FA cited the importance of international relations as a major factor in citing their concerns.

"As a national association we also recognise the authority of FIFA and its executive committee," said the statement. "We have heard the criticism from supporters and the objections raised by others in the worldwide football family.

"The Football Association has worked extremely hard for several years to improve our relationships and standing with FIFA and UEFA, and has largely succeeded.

"It was also made clear to FIFA that the Football Association has some serious reservations about the proposal. We have a responsibility to the whole of English football and we have to consider any wider consequences and implications that this proposal may create." FIFA will examine the proposals at their executive committee meeting on March 14 while UEFA president Michel Platini has already hit out at the idea.

Associations and officials in countries which could potentially stage overseas matches have given a distinctly lukewarm response while views are mixed in the English top flight.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and chief executive Rick Parry are firmly opposed to the idea, while Chelsea boss Avram Grant was more open to the idea: "If everything is right I don't see any negative things about this." Former England captain David Beckham urged the Premier League to "ask the fans, ask the players and go from there."

Sapa-AFP