Scudamore: No plan for 39th game

Speaking at the Premier League Asia Trophy, the 57-year-old said he had learned from his previous attempt to implement the idea.

"I've got the scars all the way up my back (from the last time)," he said. "Look, I may be at the Premier League for five, 10, 15 or 20 years. There is no plan to do it."

"Is there still a burning desire? The clubs would like to do it but we are also realistic that says until the fan, political and media reaction is any more warm towards it, it won't happen."

Nevertheless, the Premier League chief did admit that he still believes in the idea: "If it did happen it wouldn't be a 39th game," he explained.

"I think there would be a desire to do a round of fixtures internationally but there is no prospect of it happening any time soon or in anybody's realistic timeframe.

"We have no time set for it but I am a man of belief. I thought it was the right thing to do I, still do."

Scudamore also suggested that foreign fans are as knowledgeable as domestic-based fans these days: "I fully understand those who have bought a season ticket, been to every game home and away for the last 25 years, deem themselves to be at the highest echelon of fan commitment," he said.

"I get that. You can't take that away from anyone but also I think those fans realise that now the Premier League and those clubs are global success stories."

"That global success has come from interest that other fans have. This is not a patronising, false interest. The bit that always strikes a chord is how knowledgeable and passionate they are."

"I would put a lot of people here on these trips up against anyone back home, pub quiz, in terms of knowledge of the club."