Asian football chief calls for block on Premier League's 39th game

14 April 2012

The president of the Asian Football Confederation has called on all his 46 member countries to block the Premier League's plan to play a 39th game on their soil.

Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar said in a statement today: "It is my belief that it is not a good idea to organise domestic leagues in territories other than their own.

• JUST SAY NO: We'll take your gripes to the Premier League

"My recommendation to the AFC executive committee would be to reject any initiatives of this nature."

Hammam said Asians should focus on building their domestic leagues rather than hosting overseas teams in non-exhibition matches.

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AFC president Mohammed Bin Hammam (left) with Qatar FA president Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and FIFA president Sepp Blatter in Qatar this week

The world governing body FIFA is set to discuss the proposal at its executive committee meeting on March 14 in Zurich.

Hammam said that foreign clubs and national teams were welcome to play in Asia as long as they could contribute to the development of the game in the region.

But he added: "At the present time, I can't see the wisdom in the proposed plans."