Rafa not keen on 39th game

Last updated : 16 February 2008 By Al Campbell
The Premier League's Chief Executive Richard Scudamore has come up with a hair-brained idea to raise extra cash; he wants clubs to play an extra league game in Asia or America. Rafa Benitez is against such a stupid idea.

"I don't like it. To play another game in another country is not right for this competition. You must play here in England with the same opportunities for everyone," said the Liverpool boss.

"The seeding idea is the reason I don't like it. Everyone should have the same opportunities.

"If you can change the league to improve it then that's okay, but in this case it's just about money. You can organise a tournament between the top four in Hong Kong if you wanted money.

"Maybe the people want to show the level of the Premier League and it might be positive in terms of finance, but if you play 38 games in your country, that's enough. You don't need to play games in other countries, otherwise you'd be playing all your life.

"I've spoken with Rick Parry about it and we think the idea is not the best."