Scudamore: China could rival England

Writing in the match programme of the Barclays Asia Trophy taking place in Beijing next Wednesday and Friday, the Premier League Chief Executive believes that if China takes on the knowledge that leagues like the Barclays Premier League share with it then they can be a major force in football across the globe.


"The Premier League recognises that the development of the game in China is critical to football's future as the world's sport of choice. We are in Beijing to pass on some of our knowledge and expertise, not only in running a successful competition that has grown to be internationally renowned, but in other areas of the game too," said Scudamore before outlining some of the Premier League activities taking place.

"Throughout the week we are committed to a range of activities including coaching initiatives, refereeing schemes and community programmes. These include Premier Skills, the coaching and education partnership between the British Council and the Premier League, which will aid China's continued progress as a significant footballing nation.

"It is these building blocks, together with the drive and ambition of the Beijing Football Association, which, in the future, could see China rival England as one of the world's footballing powers and the Chinese Super League competing with the Premier League. We would relish that challenge," he added.