Stellungnahme der FA zur Premier League-Extra Runde

Man muss in der Frage der "Extra-Runde" der Premier League, die im Ausland gespielt werden soll und bereits auf herbe Kritik gestoßen ist, zwischen der Position der Premier League, von der die Idee stammt, und jener des englischen Fußballverbandes FA unterscheiden.
Nachdem FIFA und UEFA sich bereits sehr negativ zu dem Plan geäußert haben, hat die FA am letzten Freitag, 15. 2., ein durchaus reserviertes - wenn auch noch nicht endgültiges - Statement herausgegeben:
FA statement Friday, 15 February 2008.
The FA has listened carefully to the comments made by FIFA President Sepp Blatter regarding the Premier League’s proposal for an international round of fixtures. This proposal has generated a high level of debate both domestically and with the international football family. While The FA has given full consideration to views expressed by all parties, we must also make our own position on this subject clear.
We can confirm that The FA did speak to FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke about this matter yesterday. We explained that while we had received a verbal summary on the subject, at this time we are not in possession of any detailed proposals from the Premier League to pass on to FIFA.
It was also made clear to FIFA that The FA has some serious reservations about the proposal. We have a responsibility to the whole of English football and we have to consider any wider consequences and implications that this proposal may create.
As a national association we also recognise the authority of FIFA and its Executive Committee.
We have heard the criticism from supporters and the objections raised by others in the worldwide football family.
The FA has worked extremely hard for several years to improve our relationships and standing with FIFA and UEFA, and has largely succeeded.
Clearly we do not want this extensive work to be damaged. We also do not want the Premier League’s proposal to affect England’s 2018 World Cup bid in any way. At this time, due to The FA’s strong international relations, we do not believe it has.
This matter will be discussed at The FA’s scheduled Board meeting which will take place next Thursday, 21 February. This will provide an opportunity for The FA Board to fully debate the subject as a group for the first time.
The FA’s Chairman Lord Triesman said: “I am determined that our international and domestic relations must be sustained at the highest level, and I will not countenance any damage to those relations.”