Peterborough chairman slams journalist criticism of Todd Boehly's 'Premier League All-Star' match

Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony has disagreed with journalist criticism over Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly’s idea for a ‘Premier League All-Star’ game.

Boehly has faced criticism in the last week over his ideas for how English football could be revolutionised.

One of the ideas he suggested was a Premier League All-Star type game, with a team composed of players from northern clubs competing against one made up of those from southern sides.

The American businessman suggested that the money raised from the match could raise funds for the rest of the football pyramid in England.

However, there has been a lot of backlash against the idea in the past few days.

Although a majority of fans are seemingly against such a concept, it appears as though there could be some support for the idea from those already involved in the game.

Speaking to the Hard Truth Podcast, Peterborough Chairman MacAnthony disagreed with the criticism of the suggestion.

"The talking point for me is that if it raised £200/300M, give it to the pyramid,” said the Irishman.

“That's what a lot of people missed, including the snobs that moaned about it. As an owner in the league (EFL), we'd all be delighted to get that from a one-off game. 

“You've got the Premier League managers saying 'Where can we fit a game in?'... Cry me a river. You have three squads the size of ours. 

“You're talking about 100's of players and only 22 playing. Here's an idea, see if you can sell the game, a TV deal, put it on the table and say this is for the EFL.

"A lot of the players played in the EFL. It helps us. What they can say is if it raised £100/200M, we will put a pot together.

Darragh MacAnthony is the Chairman at Peterborough United. (Alamy)

“Maybe it can only be used to improve the stadiums, to make ticket prices cheaper for fans. It's a win/win for the clubs and fans."

MacAnthony also added: "Why are we dismissing it straight off the bat because the 'big bad American billionaire' has come up with the idea? I just don't get it."

Boehly has been a co-owner at Chelsea since the end of May.

The American also part owns the successful LA Dodgers baseball team in the MLB, with his contribution to the acquisition of the Blues making it the most expensive takeover in sport.

He invested in the squad throughout the summer transfer window in the hopes of success in his first season at Stamford Bridge.

Boehly has also already made a change in terms of management, with Graham Potter coming in for Thomas Tuchel as head coach earlier in the month.