Premier League Rules Out Matches Abroad as Masters Addresses Key Issues

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has dismissed any suggestion of staging top-flight fixtures outside England, insisting the concept is “nowhere near my in-tray.” Sport360NG reports.

While football authorities in Italy and Spain push ahead with plans to take domestic league games overseas, including a proposed Barcelona v Villarreal clash in Miami this December and an AC Milan v Como meeting in Perth next February, Masters says the Premier League’s position remains unchanged.

The idea of an additional overseas round, dubbed the “39th game,” was floated in 2008 but swiftly dropped after backlash from supporters and media. Despite former league boss Richard Scudamore once suggesting clubs were open to the idea, Masters says there is no appetite to revisit it.

“We’ve got no plans to play Premier League matches abroad,” he said. “It’s not something we’re discussing, and it’s not on our agenda.”

There are currently 11 US-owned clubs in the division, close to the two-thirds majority needed to alter league rules, but even with occasional calls from figures such as Liverpool chairman Tom Werner to take games to cities like New York, Tokyo or Riyadh, resistance remains. Notably, Bournemouth’s American owner Bill Foley has also spoken against the idea.

Masters pointed to the league’s existing international reach through broadcasting, digital platforms and events like the summer series in the US, adding that the original drivers behind the 39th game proposal “have dissipated.”

Transfer Spending and Squad Investment

Premier League clubs have already spent more than £2bn in the current transfer window, far outpacing Italy’s Serie A (£740m) and the Bundesliga (£520m), according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool lead the spending charts, with over £250m invested, including the £100m capture of Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz. Chelsea have matched that outlay, while Manchester United have brought in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha for a combined £194m.

United also top the league for net spend, ahead of Arsenal, Manchester City, Sunderland, Tottenham and Liverpool.

Masters sees strong investment as a positive, provided clubs stay within profitability and sustainability rules. “It strengthens squads and makes the league more competitive,” he said.

On Arsenal’s Handling of Thomas Partey Case
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey left the club in June before being charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, allegations he denies. The Ghanaian has since joined Villarreal in Spain.

Asked about Arsenal’s approach, Masters said the matter was strictly between the club and the player: “It’s not within the Premier League’s jurisdiction. I’m sure our clubs take these situations extremely seriously before deciding on any action.”

Independent Regulator and Troubled Clubs

With the UK’s new independent football regulator set to launch later this year, Masters said the league is ready to work “constructively” with the body. The regulator will oversee the top five divisions of the men’s game, aiming to improve governance and financial stability.

Masters highlighted ongoing crises at Sheffield Wednesday and Morecambe as examples of “bad ownership,” adding: “We hope these situations are resolved through sales as quickly as possible.”

Club World Cup and Player Welfare

This summer’s expanded 32-team Club World Cup in the US saw Chelsea lift the trophy while Manchester City exited in the last 16. The tournament’s close scheduling to the Premier League season has reignited concerns over player workload.

Masters said the issue requires urgent discussion: “We need a proper debate about how many matches players are being asked to play. We don’t want them having to choose between a Premier League fixture and other competitions.”

Liverpool will open the 2025-26 Premier League season at home to Bournemouth on Friday, with Masters predicting “a great season ahead.”