THE president of Asian football has cautiously welcomed the possible resurrection of the English Premier League's 39th game proposal - but not if it is just a money-minded exercise.
Twenty-four hours after Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore revealed that the international round was still a possibility, Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam said he would welcome a game between two English sides in Asia.
Earlier this year, Bin Hammam ordered Manchester United to cancel their summer tour because it clashed with the Asian Cup finals and he did not want anything to detract from the regional competition.
But on Wednesday he said he was happy for a Premier League game to take place in the region on certain conditions.
"I would love to see any clubs come to my country but they have to leave some sort of legacy behind," he said.
"At least let the youth of (AFC) countries benefit from any visit. It's not every day Chelsea will visit Qatar or Manchester United Yemen but there must be a legacy."
Earlier this year, Bin Hammam ordered Manchester United to cancel their summer tour because it clashed with the Asian Cup finals and he did not want anything to detract from the regional competition.
But on Wednesday he said he was happy for a Premier League game to take place in the region on certain conditions.
"I would love to see any clubs come to my country but they have to leave some sort of legacy behind," he said.
"At least let the youth of (AFC) countries benefit from any visit. It's not every day Chelsea will visit Qatar or Manchester United Yemen but there must be a legacy."
Copyright (c) Press Association
Related Articles
Postecoglou looking to A-League to 'develop young talent'
.jpeg&h=172&w=306&c=1&s=1)
Big change set to give Socceroos star new lease on life in the EPL
