Dundee managing director, John Nelms, recently revealed that the club would consider playing a William Hill Premiership match overseas in the future. This comes nine years after their initial plan to face Celtic in the United States fell through.
While Dundee’s plan did not come to fruition back in 2015 due to reservations from FIFA, UEFA, and the MLS, other clubs are exploring the possibility of playing matches abroad. Spanish giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are currently in talks to stage their La Liga fixture at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. La Liga president, Javier Tebas, is eager to see more international games and hopes for a change in the strict regulations set by football governing bodies.
Despite the challenges and concerns surrounding playing matches outside of the league’s territory, Nelms remains open to the idea. He acknowledged the financial benefits and increased exposure such an event could bring to the club. However, he also understands the importance of preserving the national and league identity amidst such endeavors.
Nelms mentioned the previous discussions with Celtic about playing in the US and the potential hurdles faced, including the preference for Mexican League games in certain states. He also highlighted the logistical challenges of playing in Canada during the frozen winter months.
Looking ahead, Nelms expressed a willingness to explore the possibility of playing abroad again, armed with a better understanding of the process. He emphasized the importance of considering the impact such games could have on local leagues, like the MLS, and the potential competition from international matches.
While the idea of playing league matches overseas may still face obstacles, the increasing interest and discussions around the topic suggest a shifting landscape in football. As clubs seek new ways to engage fans and expand their reach, the possibility of seeing Premiership matches played in foreign countries remains an intriguing prospect for the future.
