Plans to take the English Premier League abroad have been dealt another blow after another football association distanced itself from the idea.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has followed the lead of bosses in the US in dismissing the possibility of hosting competitive English matches.
The confederation's president, Mohamed bin Hammam, told the BBC that he is not keen on the idea because he wants to protect the interests of local football.
"It's not a good idea to organise domestic leagues in other territories," said Mr Hammam. "My recommendation would be to reject initiatives of this nature.
"I support matches organised between AFC and other confederations which benefit the development of our clubs here in Asia.
"But at the present time, I can't see the wisdom in the proposed plans and we would urge the AFC member associations to protect their own national leagues and clubs within their territories," he added.
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore announced last week that proposals are to be discussed which could see a 39th Premier League match played each season.
The match would take place outside of England and would count towards the final league standings.
The proposals have received a mixed reaction, with the majority of fans appearing to oppose the move.
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21 October 2010
21 October 2010
21 October 2010
20 October 2010
20 October 2010
