Paper Presentation II:
The Fans
Thursday, April 8, 15.15–17.15

Nathan Chan & Joel Rookwood
Liverpool Hope University

Since the inception of the Premier League (EPL) in 1992 elite English clubs have experienced considerable financial expansion, both in terms of outlay and income. In the context of revenue generation the significance of stadium gate receipts and the reliance on localised support has in some cases largely been superseded by broadcasting contracts and international markets. The subsequent augmentation of monetary gain primarily provided by ‘domestic’ satellite television broadcasting companies is now supplemented due to the increased interest from global audiences. The international sales of EPL broadcasting rights are virtually unparalleled in a domestic football context. Several clubs have sought to capitalise and promote their ‘brand’ and by extension the EPL by arranging international pre-season tours. In February 2008 the EPL introduced the ‘39th Game’ proposal, which would involve Premier League clubs playing an extra round of domestic league matches in international cities. Whilst such propositions are unprecedented in the football industry precedent has been established with comparable ventures originating from the American sporting model. NBA and NFL competitions have contested league matches at UK venues while the MLB season commences with games in Japan. The 39th Game proposal remains unsanctioned, and it is unclear whether the EPL or other domestic competitions will be internationalised. The proposition has incurred various responses from individuals representing governing bodies, football clubs and media organisations. Football supporters however remain an unrepresented demographic. This paper gives voice to and examines related perspectives from a section of domestic and international fans. Hong Kong are considered to be a potential host city for the games, and the first part of this case study is based on fan opinion in Hong Kong. The second part focuses on attitudes of supporters of eight English teams that reflect variance in geography, stature and popularity. Focus group and interview data is examined pertaining to the definitional issues involved in providing a conceptual basis for understanding what a football fan is. In addition this work accesses fan opinions on the level and extent of their support of teams, players and leagues, ascertains fan attitudes towards the proposal, examines its socio-political context and viability and comparable examples from world sport. It also gives voice to fan opinion on the extent to which this proposal can be viewed as an attempt to globalise the English game, and the extent to which it threatens the integrity, identity and culture of English football.