The idea of a Premier League All-Star XI game shows little sign of going away despite fan and manager opposition, with new opponents being considered for a potential match.
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly sparked the conversation about the game into life earlier this month. The American stated his desire to revolutionise English football earlier this month in the hopes of boosting broadcast revenue.
The plans were immediately derided by many in the English game, with many not desiring the games that are seen throughout American sport. Despite that opposition, it now appears that Boehly's suggestions may be gathering pace.
According to The Times, Boehly's idea was one of several that were put forward by club executives. And it appears that his suggestion has been viewed favourably by his counter-parts who are ready to put it into action.
It is stated that plans are now being drawn up for a combined Premier League XI to take on a combined team from the Bundesliga, La Liga and other top European leagues. The executives believe these matches could be staged around the world in an attempt to grow audiences globally.
Potential dates in the summer or during the leagues' winter break are being viewed as the ideal time to 'parade stars' to international fans. Premier League chiefs are ready to pursue the proposals, which is being driven by the influx of American owners.
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Those owners are said to believe that an All-Star match would add to the value of the English game, without any downsides. It is unknown how quickly club chiefs will look to bring in the plans or even how the idea will be received by the other European leagues.
But the planners will face heavy competition from Premier League managers though, many of whom have opposed the plans. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp led the derision of Boehly's idea, insisting it was not wanted by supporters.
“What can I say — does he want to bring the Harlem Globetrotters as well and let them play against a football team?. When he finds a date for that, he can call me. Maybe he can explain that," he said.
“He forgets that in the big sports in America, these players have four-month breaks so they are quite happy they can do a little bit of sport in these breaks. It’s completely different in football.
"I'm not sure people want to see that - [Manchester] United players, Liverpool players, Everton players all together. North-east too, so Newcastle. It is not the national team. All the London guys together, Arsenal, Tottenham, great. Did he really say it?"
Chelsea owner Boehly though appears to be convinced that his plans are the right strategy. He insisted that an All-Star game would bring in increased revenues that could be handed down the football pyramid.
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PA)“Ultimately I hope the Premier League takes a little bit of a lesson from American sports. And really starts to figure out, why don’t we do a tournament with the bottom four sports teams, why isn’t there an All-Star game?" Boehly said.
“People are talking about more money for the pyramid, in the MLB All-Star game this year we made 200m dollars from a Monday and a Tuesday. So we’re thinking we could do a North versus South All-Star game for the Premier League, for whatever the pyramid needed quite easily.”
