The Premier League's planned visit to see Sepp Blatter to discuss its proposal to play a round of fixtures abroad has been postponed, it has been revealed.
Chief executive Richard Scudamore had been due to go to Zurich to press the case for the inclusion of a "39th game" in the Premier League season on Thursday, but it has been announced that this outing will now take place at a later date.
"We will conduct further internal studies and consultation before seeking the advice of Fifa," a Premier League statement said.
Surprisingly, Fifa president Blatter signalled he would be happy to meet the Premier League delegation in the future.
He had previously intimated that he would not even be entertaining the idea, let alone discussing its merits and downfalls.
"Fifa welcomes the Premier League's decision and initiative, which re-establishes the positive and constructive relations between the FA, the FA Premier League and world football's governing body," a Fifa statement, issued in response to the Premier League proclamation, said.
"It is further acknowledged that the Premier League wishes to conduct further internal studies and research."
The Premier League will now develop its proposals before seeking approval from the game's governing bodies.
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21 October 2010
21 October 2010
21 October 2010
20 October 2010
20 October 2010
