Premier League chiefs look set to continue plans for all-star games despite Todd Boehly backlash
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Premier League chiefs ‘consider the idea of hosting All-Star games against LaLiga, Serie A and Bundesliga teams’… despite Chelsea owner Todd Boehly being criticized for his North-South concept
- Premier League chiefs are reportedly excited about holding an all-star game
- Under the concept, a Premier League XI would compete against other representative squads
- Proposed matches would be held outside the normal competition season
- The news comes after Chelsea owner Todd Boehly suggested a similar idea
- But Premier League managers are divided over the proposals being implemented
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Proposals are reportedly being considered that would allow a Premier League XI to compete against the best players in other top European competitions.
The concept of a Premier League All-Star game was recently floated by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, who proposed a North-South clash.
However, Boehly’s suggestions were criticized, highlighting the contrast in opinions about importing a distinctly American aspect of the sport into the beautiful game.
However, according to a report by The timesdespite heavy criticism of the Chelsea owner, proposals for an All-Star game continued to gain momentum in the minds of the Premier League.
Premier League chiefs consider hosting all-star games with a combined Premier League XI just weeks after Chelsea boss Todd Boehly approved a similar concept
The idea would be for Premier League rivals to team up to take on the best players from LaLiga, Serie A or the Bundesliga
The report suggests that the most likely incarnation of the concept would take the form of a combined Premier League team pitted against LaLiga, Serie A and Bundesliga counterparts.
Such matches would not be played during the Premier League season, but would take place during breaks to showcase sport for emerging markets around the world.
A similar concept is currently being implemented in MLS, where a representative team of top-class American players will compete against a team made up of Mexican Liga MX players.
The most recent MLS All-Star game saw the US team win 2-1 against their Mexican counterparts, with former Arsenal player Carlos Vela scoring the opening goal at Allianz Field.
Adding additional games to the already overcrowded playlist would present an opportunity to gain additional revenue from TV companies, but it is unlikely that the Premier League managers will be favored, especially those whose teams compete in European competitions.
The MLS hosts an annual All-Star game in which representative teams compete against their Mexican League MX counterparts
Premier League chiefs reportedly believe the All-Star concept would help the sport grow in emerging markets
Despite this, not all reactions to the concept of an all-star game from leading figures in football have been equally negative.
Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard explained his vision from the perspective of an active player.
“Personally, I’d like to see it. I would have loved to play in it [the Premier League All-Star game].’
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, on the other hand, has long opposed initiatives designed to add even more games to the football calendar.
Asked about Boehly’s proposals after Liverpool’s Champions League win over Ajax, the German manager explained his confusion over the logistics of the idea.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp wasn’t too impressed with Boehly’s suggestion that the Premier League should host a ‘North vs South All-Star Game’
“He forgets that in the big sports in America these players have a four month break and they are quite happy to be able to do a little exercise in these breaks. In football it is very different.
‘What can I say? Does he want to take the Harlem Globetrotters and play against a soccer team?
“I’m surprised by the question, so please don’t judge my answers too much. Maybe at some point he can explain it to me and find a suitable date.’