Qatar 2022 World Cup: Premier League chief Richard Scudamore threatens to sue over November/December proposal

Scudamore 'extremely disappointed' and considering legal action

Tom Peck
Tuesday 24 February 2015 20:49 GMT
Comments
Richard Scudamore is cornered during the official Premier League season launch at Capital City Academy in London on Wednesday
Richard Scudamore is cornered during the official Premier League season launch at Capital City Academy in London on Wednesday

The Premier League is considering legal action against Fifa after its recommendation to move the 2022 World Cup to November and December threatened to wipe out the traditional English Christmas fixture list.

The league’s chief executive, Richard Scudamore, said he was “extremely disappointed” with the recommendations of Fifa’s 2022 Task Force, of which he is a member.

Moving the tournament to November and December had been widely expected, but the proposed dates that leaked out of the meeting in Doha yesterday are later than had been anticipated. The World Cup final could now take place as late as 23 December.

“Our particular concern is that a Fifa World Cup that finishes late in December could result in damaging one of the English game’s great traditions and attractions, with the removal of the entire Premier League, Football League and FA Cup Christmas and New Year fixture programme that season,” Scudamore said.

The Premier League will now “consult with our clubs and other stakeholders”, including the all-powerful broadcasters. “Clearly there is still time within the process to consider our position further...before deciding on what, if any, further action might be appropriate. It is clear that the views of the European leagues...have not been given serious consideration,” he added.

More than 50 leagues will have to be re-organised. But the Premier League may face the biggest impact in terms of the amount paid for TV rights during its busy festive period.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in