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EPL Abroad: Sepp Blatter, Rafael Benitez Latest to Condemn Foreign Round

Senior Writer Written on February 14, 2008

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The EPL’s idea of playing league games abroad comes under fire again and again, with FIFA President Sepp Blatter and Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez the latest to rubbish the idea.

Blatter refuses to let the game become a "circus act" and will do everything in his power to prevent the move. He also hinted at problems for England’s 2018 World Cup bid, and this will raise some eyebrows.

A very stern Blatter went on to say that while his executive committee would make a formal decision on the 14th of March, his mind was already made up.

"This will never happen as long as I'm president of FIFA."

Benitez claims he and Liverpool Chief Executive Rick Parry have discussed the issue and that neither believe the change would be good for the EPL.

By way of appeasing the EPL’s obsession with money, Benitez even suggested a top four offseason tournament.

These latest rumblings come after the EPL’s Chief Executive Richard Scudamore yesterday did his best to stress that the EPL would move ahead regardless, claiming that he has the backing of all 20 EPL clubs.

Well, some people obviously don't think so, Mr. Scudamore!

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written on February 14, 2008 Sports

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