Premier League games being held abroad is inevitable, says Sadiq Khan | Premier League

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, often presents himself as a football enthusiast but risks alienating many with his assertion that it is inevitable for Premier League matches to be held abroad.

The concept of top-flight English games taking place outside the UK was first introduced by the Premier League in 2008, which faced immediate backlash from local supporters, as well as explicit opposition from various organizations such as the Football Association. The proposal, which would allow clubs to earn roughly £5 million for participating in an additional “international round,” was quickly abandoned. However, the idea resurfaced this year when Jon Miller, an NBC Sports executive, expressed interest in hosting matches in the U.S. Following this, the Premier League’s chief executive, Richard Masters, remarked that the “door looks ajar” for such developments.

Khan, who has actively supported U.S. sports in London, advocating for NFL and Major League Baseball events, has now entered the discussion, tentatively endorsing the concept of football matches traveling across the Atlantic.

“I believe that’s the direction we are heading,” the 53-year-old stated on the Sports Agents podcast. “We’ve observed other leagues in Europe holding competitive games in different locations. All 32 NFL teams have played in London and had a fantastic experience. Likewise, we now have leading baseball teams competing in London.

“London hosts seven Premier League clubs, yet the league primarily earns its revenue from TV rights. Liverpool, the team I support, is currently on tour in America. Some owners would argue that fans in those countries should also have the opportunity to experience a competitive game.

“For me, the crucial point is to ensure our fans do not miss out. From observing American football, we’ve learned that when players return to the U.S., adapting to time zones, diets, and other factors can be problematic for the next game.”

In response to comments from Miller and Masters, the Football Supporters’ Association reiterated its strong opposition to any competitive English matches being held abroad. “We defeated Game 39 in 2008 and will vigorously oppose any attempts to revive it,” the FSA declared, echoing their sentiment again in light of Khan’s comments. “Dear @MayorofLondon – a quick question. Are you really saying you’d be happy to see the North London derby played in LA or NYC?” they wrote on X. “We suggest you talk to matchgoers (or the PM!) to gain insight into what supporters really want – and we’re available to meet with you.”

Khan may also recognize that Liverpool’s chairman, Tom Werner, recently expressed a desire to host a Premier League match in New York and other cities worldwide—a notion promptly dismissed by the club’s owner, John Henry, and entirely rejected by Liverpool’s supporters’ union, Spirit of Shankly. “Anyone advocating for competitive LFC Premier League matches abroad should know that we fans are firmly against it,” they declared.