Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has endorsed proposals for the Premier League to hold competitive fixtures in the United States.
Television executives have been advocating for the Premier League to move some of its matches Stateside, and their petition has gathered support from some high-profile figures in the UK government.
Khan follows in the footsteps of Liverpool chairman Tom Werner, who has expressed his determination to move a home game from Anfield to New York.
Over the past eight years, Khan has been instrumental in attracting major US sports franchises to London and believes football fans in America deserve to watch a Premier League fixture live.
“Liverpool, the club I support as Mayor of London, are currently on tour in America,” Khan told The Sports Agents podcast.
“They have big fans in America. Why can’t those fans see a competitive game?
“We’ve seen other leagues across Europe play competitive games elsewhere. All 32 NFL teams have played in London, and all of them have had a great experience.
“We have some of the top baseball teams playing in London.
“There are lots of obstacles, but I think that’s the way it’s going. It’s very important to take the fans with you.”
The issue of staging top-flight fixtures abroad has divided Premier League clubs.
Bournemouth’s American owner, Bill Foley, opposed the idea during the club’s pre-season tour in California.
However, the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, who also have American ownership, are reportedly open to the concept.
There’s no doubt that the US is an increasingly attractive proposition.
The Premier League’s overseas TV rights have already surpassed the value of their domestic deal, so they would want to take advantage of the growing American market.
However, the league has confirmed that there are no immediate plans to relocate matches abroad, although that could change if Premier League clubs endorse the plan.
Meanwhile, FIFA has formed a working group to explore allowing domestic leagues to play competitive matches abroad.
The experts will consider several key issues regarding the concept, including fairness to fans.
