Blatter Threatens the Premier League

Things are looking worse and worse for the Premier League’s plans for a moneyspinning international round. The plan already got the middle finger from Asia, Australia and America and now Sepp Blatter has had a rare moment of lucidity and spoken out against the idea, and made some pretty clear threats about how FIFA would react:

I will bring it to the attention of the executive committee but you can be sure that they will reject such a misapplication of the [Fifa] statutes. I will ask the national associations not to accept such an initiative. This is definitely an abuse of association football.

I cannot imagine that when you go against the deciding body for the decision on the World Cup in an initiative that will not be accepted by this body, that you will enhance your chances. It will not be diplomatic.

If you go against the authority of Fifa and the decision-making body, which is the executive committee, then you cannot expect them to be in your favour later on.

So basically, gloabalized Premier League = no World Cup 2018 for England. And probably a few less invitations to come round for coffee.

If the Premier League push ahead, then this is good news for England’s potential 2018 rival bidders Australia. But now it looks like this deal is dead in the water. FIFA’s admonishment has now seen the English FA come out against the plan so it’s going to be hugely unpopular all round if the Premier Leagu push on.

Great to see international football finally claiming a rare victory over the ambition of megarich clubs. FIFA and friends have had to take a couple of hits recently, such as agreeing to compensate clubs for players injured on international duty and I’m sure clubs will continue to grow in influence. But at least today’s events suggest FIFA still have some semblance of authority.

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