Mohamed bin Hammam, president of the Asian Football Confederation, has admitted that his organisation is willing to listen to proposals for an extra round of Premier League games.
Plans for each Premier League club to play a 39th game overseas were widely opposed when they were published last season. The idea would have seen matches played in cities around the world including many in Asia.
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore announced earlier this week that he had not given up hope of reviving the plan.
AFC president Bin Hammam was not happy with the initial plans but now says he would be prepared to reconsider if the Premier League made some amendments to their proposals.
“Whatever plans the Premier League may or may not have, the AFC is prepared to listen to advice and support,” Bin Hammam told reporters.
“I’m not saying I have changed my mind about (opposing) two teams playing in different territories.
“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.”
Bin Hammam added that the Premier League was offering recommendations to help narrow the gap between Asian and European football.
He explained: “We want them to share with us their secret of success.”
Bin Hamman remains concerned that television companies in Asia are willing to spend more money on screening the Premier League than on their own domestic leagues.
“The J-League is more important than the Premier League in Japan but that is the exception,” he said.
