NEW YORK (AFP) — Major League Soccer wants to see the final plans for English Premiership matches being staged in global markets before getting too worried or excited about the prospects.
An international round of 10 Premiership matches could be staged starting in 2010 or 2011, English officials said, in such global markets as Beijing, Singapore, Sydney, Hong Kong or such US markets as New York or Los Angeles.
"We will have to wait and evaluate the proposal," Major League Soccer deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis said.
"I don't see it as a negative for MLS, but the implications go beyond these games on their own. There are implications for the game worldwide. There are implications when matches are taken across borders in this way."
Gazidis would like MLS to be involved through its Soccer United Marketing division, which already handles many international matches at US venues, and sees that Premier League boss Richard Scudamore wants to grow gloabally.
"Richard is looking to push the envelope but at the same time he understands he can't push it too far," he said. "Many leagues are working to become the first 'World League' and the Premier League is looking to take leadership."
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