Football's world governing body FIFA said Friday it will study controversial plans by England's Premier League to play some matches abroad. FIFA said it expects to receive an official document from the English Football Association on the proposal, which will then be debated at its next Executive Board meeting on March 14 in Zurich.
Under the proposals, the overseas matches will start in the 2010-11 season with five cities hosting two matches each on the same January weekend. Premier League Chief executive Richard Scudamore estimates that the clubs could generate over five million pounds (ten million dollars) each for their one trip. Among the cities touted as possible venues are Bangkok, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Melbourne, Miami, New York and Singapore.
The plans have sparked a mixed response, with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger sounding enthusiastic but arch-rival and Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson less than keen.