sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Premier League XI could face La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga teams in All-Star games under new plans

Premier League XI could face La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga teams in All-Star games under new plans

The idea was recently floated by Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly.

A Premier League XI could soon take on All-Star teams from Spain, Germany and Italy under new plans.

The idea of an All-Star team made of up English football's greatest players was recently floated by Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly.

He also suggested the idea of a North vs South All-Star game between Premier League clubs, an idea which was widely criticised at the time.

However, his plans were recently discussed by club executives, with the proposal to stage matches between a Premier League XI and All-Star teams from La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga proving to be most popular, according to The Times.

One of the benefits of the matches, in addition to the immediate revenue gained by staging and broadcasting the games, would be to showcase the Premier League in expanding markets.

It has been suggested the game could be hosted in Europe, or elsewhere around the world, during the summer months, or during a winter break.

Sources have told The Times that the idea is likely to be pursued as one of several suggestions of new ways to keep growing audiences and enhancing overseas TV rights.

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly recently floated the idea of All-Star matches (Image: Alamy)
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly recently floated the idea of All-Star matches (Image: Alamy)

The rise of American ownership in the Premier League, with half of all top-flight clubs now having some form of investment from the United States, is seen as a driving force behind the recent discussions.

Several of the biggest leagues in the United States, including the NBA, MLB and MLS, stage All-Star matches.

It is claimed that many of the American investors in the Premier League "feel that an All-Star match would add to the value of the English game without any downside and can be staged without detracting from the Community Shield".

"Ultimately, I hope the Premier League takes a little bit of a lesson from American sports," said Boehly, who also owns shares in MLB side Los Angeles Dodgers and the LA Lakers in the NBA.

"People are talking about more money for the pyramid; in the MLB all-star game this year we made $200 million (£181 million)."

One of the proposals was for a Premier League XI to face All-Star teams from other leagues (Image: Alamy)
One of the proposals was for a Premier League XI to face All-Star teams from other leagues (Image: Alamy)

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, a fierce critic of the congested football calendar, was quick to voice his opposition to Boehly's proposals.

"When he finds a date for that, he can call me," Klopp said, reacting to the idea of North vs South game in the Premier League.

"In American sports, these players have four-month breaks. Does he want to bring the Harlem Globetrotters as well?"

It remains to be seen whether the Premier League with push ahead with the plans and if foreign leagues are likely to support them.

Would you like to see an All-Star game between rival European leagues? Let us know your thoughts.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Football