10 Oct 2008Asian football chief backs 39th game plans

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

The top administrator of Asian football has admitted today (October 10th) that he is open to the idea of bringing Premier League football to the continent.

The concept of a 39th league game was roundly derided when Premier League chief Richard Scudamore revealed earlier this year that it was under consideration.

Scudamore has since put the idea on the backburner, but now Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed Bin Hammam has explained that the move would help football in Asia.

He said: "It is now up to them if they want to present fresh plans. I am willing to listen and give my advice.

"It's up to us to improve our level of football, but we would like the Premier League to help and support that process.

"There is a lot of knowledge the Premier League can transfer to us."

Bin Hammam's comments are particularly surprising as he initially stated his opposition against the idea of playing a round of fixtures outside of England.

However, following talks with Premier League officials and being assured that universal approval would be sought from the requisite governing bodies, he has seemingly changed his mind.

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