Premiership boss demands end to Asian exploitation

By European Football
September 22 2005

Premier League chairman Dave Richards has hit out at premier league clubs in what he sees as blatant exploitation of the Asian market. Teams like Manchester United, Everton, Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers all toured Asia this summer.

But these tours have been criticised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohamed Bin Hammam, who accuses the clubs of milking cash out of the fans but leaving no real legacy.

"We won't let that happen. We are totally against teams coming to Asia for two days and then returning home."

"We may even tell them that we'll pay for their hotels and airfares and ask them not to take any fees.

"We've been talking to the AFC and it could be that we come up with some sort of code or memorandum of understanding in the near future."

But he did admit there was little he could do to stop the clubs taking the huge sums that are on offer for touring Asia:

"What we can't do is stop a sponsor from paying Manchester United five million pounds to go to Asia."

"It's a free market and they can do that if they want. But what we will try to do is make sure English teams who do come to Asia will bring with them programmes to take to the community and educate kids in Asia.

"Football in England is very much involved in fighting crime and drugs through various programmes started by the Premier League, and we hope that we can replicate some of these programmes in Asia."

And indeed Mr Hammam, agreed that having the clubs over to play was a great boost to the area, but they could and should not just be looking to take the money and run:

"We are not against European clubs playing in Asia as it gives our players, coaches and administrators a chance to see what professional football is from close range. From that point of view, I am very supportive."

"However, currently the clubs just come, play and leave.

"Of course, legally we cannot stop these clubs from coming to Asia nor can we control their activities," he added.

"However, European clubs have to remember that our national associations, players and fans look to them not as gold-diggers but as leaders and role models in the game."