Mohamed bin Hammam is keen to more about the English plan

Mohamed bin Hammam, who initially opposed the idea, was meeting in London with Premier League chief executive Peter Scudamore to discuss how the league can improve and develop football in Asia.

Scudamore is expected to revise the initial proposal to play a 39th round of Premier League matches around the world, possibly in Asian Confederation countries such as South Korea, Japan or Qatar.

"Whatever plans the Premier League may or may not have, the AFC is prepared to listen to advice and support,'' Bin Hammam said.

Backflip

When the proposals were leaked in February, Bin Hammam was one of the loudest opponents in what turned out to be almost worldwide rejection.

Now he is prepared to hear what the Premier League has to say.

"I'm not saying I have changed my mind about (opposing) two teams playing in different territories,'' he said.

"The English league to be played in China, or in Qatar? A lot of people like the idea. Our (Qatar) national association liked the idea but they have not thought about it from the same angle I thought about it.''

He said the Premier League is offering initiatives to help close the gap between Asian and European football.

"We want them to share with us their secret of success,'' he said.

Concern

Bin Hammam said televised Premier League games are hugely popular in Asia and fans welcome English clubs flying over to play friendlies or in mini-tournaments.

But he is concerned that TV companies in Asia are willing to spend millions of dollars on Premier League broadcast rights instead of spending that cash on their own leagues.

"The J-League is more important than the Premier League in Japan but that is the exception,'' he said.

Bin Hammam later attended the Premier League's launch of weeklong coaching clinics and community leadership lessons to be held in Asian and African nations.

"It is important that we use our profile responsibly to encourage and engage communities around the world,'' Scudamore said.

"The success of our initial Premier Skills pilots shows us the appetite that exists for our support at grass roots level in many countries.''

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