Bill Foley, the American owner of English Premier League side Bournemouth, commented on the prospect of games in the US. FIFA has said it is investigating whether it is feasible to host games from domestic leagues in other countries. This stems from LaLiga working to host a competitive game in the United States. A lengthy lawsuit from Relevent Sports against FIFA and the United States Soccer reached a settlement. That settlement opened the door for leagues to push for games that could draw major profits.
Bill Foley would seemingly be someone to adamantly support this. As an American businessman, Foley has not shied away from seeking more representation from Bournemouth in the United States. That helps explain why Foley brought Bournemouth to the United States for a two-game slate of friendlies. This past weekend, Bournemouth played Wrexham at Harder Stadium in Santa Barbara, CA. Then, it will be an all-Premier-League clash at Dignity Health Sports Park when the Cherries face Arsenal.
Yet, Foley does not want to see this type of contest happen in a meaningful game. Instead, this type of game should be reserved for the preseason. There is no better time to showcase teams to an American audience. Moreover, it does not risk affecting attendance at Dean Court or any other stadium in the Premier League.
“In terms of playing actual Premier League matches in America? We should play in the UK,” Foley said. “That is where they belong. I am very respectful of our fans and the whole system. I wouldn’t want to be involved in changing any of that.”
Foley says no to Premier League in US
Foley is putting the fans of Bournemouth at the forefront of his ownership of Bournemouth. In many ways, it is a stark contrast to the revenue-driven aim of many other owners.
“I believe if you talk to our fans at Bournemouth, they think Foley actually respects our system and respects our heritage. And I do.”
There would be parts of playing in the…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/american-bournemouth-owner-denies-support-of-pl-games-in-us/
Author : Kyle Fansler
Publish date : 2024-07-22 20:12:56
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