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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

Tottenham: Thomas Frank delivers verdict on Premier League games abroad after UEFA's 'reluctant' approval

Thomas Frank has dismissed the idea of Premier League matches being played abroad.

There are plans for a La Liga fixture between Barcelona and Villarreal to be played in Miami in December, after UEFA "reluctantly" approved the move but insisted "it will not set a precedent".

Serie A has followed suit and AC Milan are set to take on Como in Perth in February next year.

Como have claimed that the decision is about "ensuring survival" and helping Italian clubs compete against the financial dominance of the Premier League.

In his press conference on Friday, Frank spoke about the need to turn Tottenham's stadium into a fortress and called for the home fans to play their part in that.

It was unsurprising, then, that the Spurs boss had little time for the prospect of Spurs playing home matches in other countries.

"Personally I prefer the league matches need to be played in the country they belong in," Frank said.

"So a Premier League match needs to be played in England, in my opinion. I understand that football or the world is not as it used to be 20 years ago, because that's how the world is developing. That's just how things progress and develop and change a bit.

"But for me, Premier League games need to be played in England."

Asked whether he would be vocal to the club's hierarchy in ensuring Spurs did not ever play a home match abroad during his time in charge, Frank said: "No, I have no problem saying that. I think it should be played in England, if you play in England.

"If I have the power to stop it? Probably not. But at least I can raise my voice."

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