United, Chelsea among English clubs 'twinning' in Asia

The English Premier League agreed to help develop soccer in Asia, giving the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool greater access to one of their biggest fan bases in return for offering football know-how.

Richard Scudamore, the league's chief executive officer, and Asian Football Confederation President Mohamed bin Hammam announced a tie-up Friday that will see some English teams twin with their Asian counterparts.

Premier League clubs will offer expertise on matters from coaching to community relations and stand to gain from having the Asian ruling body's consent to play in the region. Bin Hammam has previously criticized visiting European teams for creaming off revenue in Asia and offering nothing in return.

"Our clubs are ambitious and recognize they have fan bases in these areas," Scudamore said in an interview in Tokyo Friday. "In order to really become part of the sporting world over here we need to understand better what that world is and this cooperation will make it easier."

Asia is a hotbed of support for the Premier League, which fills sports bars from Singapore to Shanghai, and has become an increasing source of revenue for U.K. teams. The league more than doubled its overseas broadcasting contracts to 625 million pounds ($930 million) for the three years to 2010, with Asian rights experiencing the strongest growth.

Bin Hammam last year called Manchester United "colonials" for arranging matches during Asia's biggest international tournament. He was also among the most vocal opponents when the Premier League said in February it was considering holding a 39th regular-season round of games outside the U.K., including in Asia.

His about-turn resulted from opening a dialogue and learning about the league's developmental projects, such as a coaching skills program in India that will be extended to China, he said.

"It is a historic moment," Bin Hammam said in an interview. "We are going to benefit out of the 39th game in Asia not in terms of the Premier League comes and plays and goes, but they are going to leave a heritage."

There is no financial commitment in the agreement — the first between the Premier League and a continental soccer body. The accord makes it more likely that official games will one day be played in Asia, though there was no guarantee, Scudamore said.

"Clearly it would appear there is an appetite for the involvement of our clubs at whatever level in Asia," Scudamore said. "If that results in competitive fixtures being played, that may well be the ultimate extension, but it does not necessarily mean that (will happen)."