'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.

However, Masters believes the Premier League has gone global by other means.