Soccer Notes: Scudamore Wants Meeting With FIFA, Blatter

Scudamore Wants To Meet With FIFA To Discuss EPL's Int'l Ambitions

English Premier League (EPL) CEO Richard Scudamore said that he will "urgently seek a meeting with [FIFA President Sepp Blatter] in an attempt to clarify the Premier League's position and stave off what threatens to be a disaster for him personally, and for the international ambitions of English football," according to Martin Samuel of the LONDON TIMES. Blatter's comments condemning Scudamore's plan for a 39th game in international markets "as a joke and warning of the harm it would do to England's standing within FIFA put the FA on alert" on Friday. Scudamore: "We were told we would have the opportunity to talk to the FIFA president about our proposal. I do not see how there can be speculation about the possible impact on the 2018 World Cup campaign until this meeting has taken place" (LONDON TIMES, 2/16).

SPANISH THREAT: Blatter has confirmed that Spain "could be banned from international competition if their government tries to intervene in the election process of the Spanish FA." Blatter: "Spain would not be able to play at Euro 2008, and their clubs wouldn't continue in the Champions League or UEFA Cup" (SPORT.SCOTSMAN.com, 2/18).

STAYING PUT: Sources confirmed a February 12 Daily Mail report that MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis turned down an offer from Manchester City to become the EPL Club's Exec Chair. Though Gazidis declined to comment on the offer or confirm the report, he said, "It is always flattering to have your name linked with big jobs in football" (Tripp Mickle, SportsBusiness Journal).