'No longer need for 39th game'

PREMIER LEAGUE CEO BACKTRACKS ON IDEA TO TAKE GAMES ABROAD

- BY JAMIE GARDNER

THE Premier League's need to take matches overseas to boost its global appeal has “dissipated” since the idea of a 39th match round abroad was first floated in 2008, topflight chief executive Richard Masters says.

Spain’s LaLiga and the Italian Serie A are taking steps to stage a domestic match each in the United States and Australia respectively in the coming season as those leagues seek further exposure.