Is the Premier League playing “down under” a good idea?

Is the idea of playing the remainder of the 2019-2020 Premier League schedule in Australia a bad idea, or could it have some legs?

At this point, I’m not sure the Premier League has many alternatives to successfully hit their goal of completing a legitimate season.

Perth, Australia, on the country’s west coast, has stepped up and offered stadiums, hotels, and training grounds for all 20 of the PL’s clubs.

Australia has reported 93 COVID-19 fatalities, while the UK has totaled more than 28,000.

Perth claims they are “most isolated city in the world,” and are eager to help. They also realize the huge economical shot in the arm they would receive serving as hosts to 92 Premier League matches.

Perth has four venues that could be used by the PL: Optus Stadium (capacity 65,000), Perth Oval (20,500), cricket’s WACA (24,500) and Joondalup Arena (16,000).

One of the men behind this concept is super agent Gary Williams. Here is his 8 point plan…

1) Fly all 20 squads to Perth. Airlines would be delighted with the custom and are available.
2) Base them in their own hotels, with facilities, and isolate for up to a fortnight if they have to. Perth is currently in tourist ‘off season’ anyway.
3) Play games at several top venues in the city, behind closed doors or even with a limited number of local fans.
4) Slash the number of medical tests needed, possibly only two in total rather than the proposed twice a week.
5) Remove the need for police to control closed venues in England when the games are played.
6) End concerns about travel arrangements and hotel stays. The clubs would use the same bases, close to grounds, for the duration.
7) Allow families to travel over towards the end of the campaign to give them a much-needed break in a safe environment.
8) Easy for TV coverage, with various kick-off times to suit English schedules.

To me, the health and safety of everyone involved has to be the first, and only consideration. Is this idea a little “out there?” Maybe, but if the PL is serious about finishing the league’s fixture list, then they really don’t have many options, other than to think out of the box. Traveling 9,000 miles away might be their best option, and probably the safest one too.

Come on Premier League, take a chance. This could really be something unique and special.

Cheers, and stay healthy!

Gunner1953