13 Feb 2008Taylor calls on FA over global league proposals

Former England manager Graham Taylor has called upon the Football Association to stand up to the Premier League over controversial plans to play matches abroad.

He has called the proposals, which could see a 39th Premier League match played each season in a country other than England, "ludicrous".

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore announced the plans last week, revealing that fixtures would be played around the world, with clubs entered into a ballot to see who they would face.

Many club owners have backed the idea but Taylor has reacted angrily and he wants to see the FA doing something about it.

"The FA is the governing body of football in this country. Act like one," he said.

Mr Taylor also highlighted that the FA has failed to act in the past when he believed that they should have taken a stronger stance.

"In 1992, the Premier League was formed only because the FA backed it. The FA were browbeaten to keeping it to 22 clubs when the idea was for 18 clubs. If the FA had had the courage of their convictions then, this wouldn't have arisen," he continued.

"The Premier League could not get the 39th game in without the FA's permission. I’m not suggesting to the FA, just to get their own back, to reject the idea. I'm saying if the FA feel it is not for the good of the game, they should come out and say. But that isn't going to happen because they are frightened of the clubs. The clubs have the power," added Mr Taylor.

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