Richard Scudamore has all but confirmed that Premier League matches will not take place abroad in the foreseeable future.
The Premier League boss admitted the plans would get “no nearer” to completion due to the weight of opposition.
On Friday it was confirmed that Premier League matches would be screened live on Friday nights from the start of 2016/17 season.
But regarding the so-called 39th game taking place Scudamore expressed his feeling that he could not see that happening.
“The clubs are keen for us to keep developing the concept but we’re no nearer,” he said.
“The idea of an extra game is gone.”
Ventura hoping for new Torino spark
Torino coach Giampiero Ventura hopes Thursday’s Europa League 5-1 triumph at Copenhagen can spark his team domestically.
The Maroons return to action today at Empoli on the back of their biggest win this campaign.
“I hope this qualification gives more confidence to my team,” Ventura said.
“We are slowly getting closer to the level that we want to be. We just need to have more self-belief and the results will come.”
Torino have won just three of their opening 14 league games.
Life on bench a comedown – Rio
Rio Ferdinand admits spending time on QPR’s bench has been a “comedown”.
Having established himself as one of the Premier League’s best ever defenders, few would have predicted the 36-year-old failing to make the grade at Loftus Road.
But fitness and a FA ban for Twitter comments mean he has been left out of the first-team picture and on the bench.
“No footballer worth his salt likes sitting on the bench,” Ferdinand said.
“When you have enjoyed all the success of being at a big club there is no hiding the fact that my current circumstances are a bit of a comedown. But do not make the mistake of thinking I have any regrets about my move to Loftus Road – because I don’t.”
City’s injury list
Manchester City could face Christmas without any senior strikers and their captain following a costly 1-0 win at Leicester.
Edin Dzeko suffered a calf injury and skipper Vincent Kompany suffered a recurrence of a hamstring problem 77 minutes into his comeback.
Dzeko joins fellow strikers Sergio Aguero and Stevan Jovetic on the sidelines and there is little chance of any of them being fit in the next fortnight.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini said: “It is difficult to know what happened to both of them.
“We will see with Vincent how hard his injury is but I think it will be very difficult for them to play before the next year.”
Wenger: I’m here to make fans happy
Arsene Wenger is content with making the majority of Arsenal fans happy after hearing his name ring around the Emirates following a 4-1 win over Newcastle.
The Arsenal manager has endured a turbulent relationship with the club’s supporters this season following disappointing defeats against the likes of Swansea, Manchester United and, most recently, Stoke.
But on Saturday he was the toast of the Emirates.
“I’m grateful for that and I enjoy it, but the most important thing is the way we play football,” Wenger said of the fans singing his name.
“I think what is most important is that our fans go home happy because we have played well and won. My job is to win games and make people happy.”
Real Madrid CWC clash switched
Real Madrid’s semi-final clash with Cruz Azul in the FIFA Club World Cup tomorrow has been switched to Marrakech from Rabat due to the waterlogged pitch.
Saturday’s quarter-final bet-ween Cruz Azul and Western Sydney Wanderers was played in torrential conditions at the Rabat stadium, with pools of standing water on the pitch making life tough for the players.
Real are looking to extend a 20-match winning streak in all competitions, while the other semi-final pits Auckland City against San Lorenzo in Marrakech on Wednesday.
Balotelli not joining Inter next month
Coach Roberto Mancini told reporters that he will be making no effort to bring Mario Balotelli back to Inter next month.
Speculation was rife in the UK media over the weekend that the rebel striker is likely to leave Liverpool in the winter transfer window with his former club Inter being his likely destination.
“No, there was no contact really. I last spoke with Mario Balotelli some two years ago,” Mancini said.
“I am his fan, I care for him and my hope is to see him happy, leaving aside all the rest that doesn’t count.
“There is something that needs to be done at Inter, yes. I don’t know who will arrive, but the club will make some moves.”