There is “every possibility” of top English clubs touring India for pre-season games in the near future, according to the Premier League’s managing director Richard Masters.
“The popularity of the Premier League and its clubs continues to grow globally and clubs are always considering new countries to visit,” Masters was quoted as saying by PTI. “There is every possibility that they could come to India in the future,” he added.
Earlier this year, the Premier League promised to help India grow as a footballing nation, with its executive chairman Richard Scudamore saying that the world’s most glamorous football league was taking initiatives towards this endeavour.
Hosting the Under-17 World Cup, the country’s first Fifa tournament, will certainly help in putting India on the global football map, Scudamore had said.
“We know from the work that we do with the ISL and the AIFF that there is a huge amount going on to support football development at all levels in India,” he had said.
“Hosting the Fifa U17 World Cup will be another step in putting India on the global football stage and will hopefully inspire more talented youngsters to play and take an interest in the sport.”
Growing Indian fan base
The Premier League is aware of the popularity the league enjoys in India, Masters said. “Premier League clubs have a growing and committed fan base in India and we enjoy keep coming back to engage with them,” he said.
The Premier League works very closely with the Indian Super League and the All India Football Federation to support the development of football in India, Masters added.
Masters will be in Bengaluru for the Premier League International Fan Park, which is being held in the Garden City over the weekend.