Will the Bundesliga soon play games overseas?
Does the Bundesliga have international matches on the horizon? It could be possible, as FIFA is exploring the option of allowing regular matches outside of national borders for the first time. This news has already sparked backlash from fans, fearing more significant protests in the future.
Bayern faces Dortmund in a classic battle in Singapore, Leipzig clashes with Leverkusen in New York, and Heidenheim faces off against Kiel in Riyadh. While the German Football League (DFL) has little interest in these plans, FIFA's proposal could change the future of the Bundesliga. The world governing body is considering permitting regular matches to occur internationally, similar to the NFL model. This idea of internationalization could lead to lucrative opportunities for major European leagues.
However, some fans are against this idea. Football Supporters Europe, an umbrella organization with members like Germany's Unsere Kurve, voiced their concern: "FIFA's malicious plans endanger and disrupt domestic soccer. We don't want to follow our clubs to the other side of the world. We need our clubs in the heart of our communities - that's where they belong." The DFL shares a similar sentiment, stating, "There are no plans to hold competitive matches abroad." DFL officials know that scheduling international games would likely cause backlash similar to the protests that followed the failed investment deal.
FIFA Presses On Despite Reactions
The DFL has been pushing for internationalization for years, though this has been limited to more test match trips by Bundesliga clubs. Former DFL head Donata Hopfen even considered holding the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia two years ago, which sparked outrage.
FIFA remains unphased by the reactions. The Council, with DFB President Bernd Neuendorf as a member, is forming a working group to potentially overturn the foreign ban. This decision was made just before FIFA's congress in Bangkok, Thailand.
The working group will consist of 10-15 members who will review the consequences of the new policy. Among the topics to be explored are the effects on fans and the competition's integrity. A result is expected in the coming months.
Advantages for La Liga and the Premier League
FIFA is making this move in response to recent legal developments in the U.S. last month, when the ban on foreign matches was challenged. Relevent, a marketing agency organizing test matches for Spanish clubs, filed an antitrust lawsuit against FIFA. The two parties agreed to review the existing rules.
International matches would be beneficial for leagues like La Liga and the Premier League, especially from a marketing standpoint. Cup competitions have already embraced this idea, with the Spaniards and Italians holding their Super Cup in Saudi Arabia and France planning to do the same in South Korea this summer.
The English Premier League and Spanish La Liga could particularly benefit from being able to cater to their fans globally through regular matches. League officials have previously expressed interest in such games, but marketing strategists have only managed to arrange pre-season tours for individual clubs.
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The FIFA council, with DFB President Bernd Neuendorf as a member, is forming a working group to potentially overturn the ban on regular Bundesliga matches happening overseas. This move follows FIFA's exploration of allowing international matches for the first time, as seen in the NFL model.
The potential internationalization of the Bundesliga, as proposed by FIFA, could bring lucrative opportunities for major European leagues, such as La Liga and the Premier League, who have previously expressed interest in catering to their global fan bases through regular matches.
Source: www.ntv.de
