A disputed FIFA regulation change could force Newcastle United to leave St James’ Park for home matches.
There was also a backlash in 2008 when former Premier League chief Richard Scudamore suggested a 39th game to be played overseas. His successor, Richard Masters, has dismissed the idea of taking the top flight abroad.
FIFA has approved clubs’ plans to play domestic contests outside of their home nation in the next years. Leagues are now barred from staging international games, but La Liga has already announced plans to do so by 2025. The FIFA council convened in Bangkok on Wednesday and approved amendments that will allow leagues to play matches on foreign soil.
Spanish clubs were also among the most vocal advocates of the defunct European Super League. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said the controversial proposition was “more necessary than ever” given concerns about Premier League clubs walking away financially.
The FIFA reform would guarantee “adequate provision has been made for fans of the teams playing a proposed out-of-territory match to attend the match”. Given the practical obstacles that domestic fans face when watching “home” matches abroad, this has been criticized as imprecise.
England fans have fiercely opposed any dramatic measures that would disrupt the football ecosystem. The Super League disaster sparked outrage, and demonstrations even forced a Manchester United vs Liverpool match to be postponed.
Any attempt to do so will likely be tough once the football regulator is established. The idea of Newcastle United leaving St James’ Park to host international home games would be difficult. Supporters are finding it difficult to attend games due to increased demand following the Saudi-backed coup. Plans are being developed to enlarge the famous facility, and co-owner Amanda Staveley has criticized the Super League plans for 2021.