Premier League chief Scudamore: International round not dead duck

Premier League chief Richard Scudamore insists the plan for an international round of matches is not a "dead duck" despite hostile opposition.

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Scudamore has admitted for the first time though that the plan will have to be scrapped if they are opposed by FIFA and the Football Association.

He was quizzed by a committee of MPs on Tuesday - some of whom described the plans variously as "daft", "barmy" and "bent".

The proposal has already been blasted by FIFA president Sepp Blatter - and FA chairman Lord Triesman told the culture, media and sport select committee there are a number of areas where they have major concerns.

Scudamore, who hopes to fly to Zurich next week to persuade Blatter of the benefits of the plan, said: "Clearly we are not going to take this forward if it in any way does not meet with some form of acquiescence from FIFA.

"Certainly the FA and the Football League will also have to be comfortable with whatever move and whatever direction we take.

"If it's deemed not to be worth it we will think again about our global expansion."

But he added: "It's certainly not a dead duck - it has only just started, and we have only had 10 days of a year-long consultation process.

"This is a set of proposals which is a work in progress - and yes, it has had some hostile reaction ... but it's still in its infancy."