Premier League Down Under? Clubs in talks to finish season in Australia

The Premier League has been offered an alternative solution to their suspended season, with Perth considered the "ideal" destination to host the remaining 92 games.

A general view of Optus Stadium in Perth

A general view of Optus Stadium in Perth Source: Getty Images

With the current campaign postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, Project Restart plans have explored the possibility of games being played at neutral venues.

However, it appears Premier League clubs could now relocate altogether after reports emerged of a plan to play out the rest of the season in Western Australia.

English agent Gary Williams has been in talks with several clubs and government authorities about the idea, with lockdown restrictions and confirmed cases far inferior to that of the United Kingdom.

"I have had discussions with contacts at Premier League clubs and they like the idea," Williams told The Sun.

"I have also spoken with government officials and they are enthusiastic. We are speaking again this week.

"Everybody is safe here. The government has lifted many restrictions. We are sitting round in groups of ten, we can walk around and the beaches are open. We have had four new cases in the last ten days."

Optus Stadium, Perth Oval, the WACA, and the Joondalup Arena would all serve host to the Premier League should they proceed with the plan, which would televise games to suit the English audience and afford each team a hotel of their own.

Perth senator Glenn Sterle is equally eager to see the plan come to fruition and moved to ease concern surrounding the spread of the virus.

"We have almost no new cases," he said.

"It would just be a case of some quarantine for our friends when they arrive and then we are up and running."

One club official has since confirmed their interest in the idea, telling The Sun: "We go on world tours in pre-season. This is no different. And the climate in Australia is ideal just now."


Share
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow SBS Sport
2 min read
Published 3 May 2020 11:04am
By SBS The World Game
Source: SBS


Share this with family and friends