LONDON // The "39th game" may be a step too far for Fifa and Uefa, but Arsenal believe there is "no crime" in the Premier League's plan to play games abroad.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai were in line to host a game if the proposal, which involved international countries bidding to stage an extra league match, was given the go-ahead from 2010.
As the Football Association, Fifa, Uefa and fans' groups have raised concerns over that idea, the Premier League are now believed to be looking at other options, including switching League Cup matches and staging mini-tournaments during a planned 12-day winter break.
The contests would feature all 20 Premier League clubs and be held in five different regions from Jan 2010. The timing would be ideal for the UAE, which already stages the prestigious Mohammed bin Rashid Football tournament and Dubai Football Challenge during that period.
Adrian Ford, the commercial director at Arsenal, says the international plan should be welcomed to help satisfy the craving for top-class football from countries around the world.
With their sponsorship link-up with Emirates, the Gunners are keen to increase their profile and brand internationally and a winter break tournament abroad could help them achieve this.
Ford said: "Clubs have to adapt to what is going on internationally. Our view is that the 39th game or something similar is worthy of further consideration.
"The whole principle is that we are popular around the world so you ask how do we capitalise on that and satisfy the demands of English football in those areas?
"We know, based on the number of countries who buy TV rights around the world and viewing figures, that it is popular. If you have demands you have to try to satisfy them and thinking about ways it could happen and trying to understand it?there is nothing wrong with that at all.
"The whole international question is an opportunity, but it does need to be done in the right way. I think there is no crime in trying to explore the opportunities and options and that is what is going on at the moment.
"There has been opposition [from Fifa and Uefa], but at the time it was first announced I don't think people fully understood what the proposition was and what the benefits were, not just to the Premier League or clubs, but the local territories where games could be played.
"I don't think the Premier League is doing anything that anyone else has either done, has been looking at doing or would want to do. There are different permutations to how it might eventually work, but I see the principle of looking at hosting games internationally is a fair one and I don't think it's dead.
"It's not in the realms of impossiblity and something may happen, but it will take time because there are stakeholders [like fans] involved and everyone needs to have a look at it."
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
Sun jukebox
Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)
This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.
Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)
The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.
Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)
Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.
Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)
Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.
Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)
An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)
Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
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