Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has firmly ruled out staging top-flight fixtures outside England, stating the idea is "not anywhere near my in-tray".

His comments come amid growing global interest in taking domestic football abroad. Both Italy and Spain are seeking approval from FIFA and UEFA to play competitive league matches overseas. If successful, Barcelona will meet Villarreal in Miami this December in the first European league game outside the continent. Meanwhile, AC Milan and Como could face off in Perth, Australia, in February.

The concept of Premier League matches abroad is not new. In 2008, the controversial '39th game' proposal suggested adding an extra round of fixtures to be played internationally. Intense backlash from fans and the media forced the idea to be abandoned.

Former Premier League chief Richard Scudamore revealed ten years ago that clubs were open to the idea, but Masters insists nothing has changed.

"I don't think it changes the Premier League's view on this at all, we don't have any plans to play matches abroad," he said. "It's not anywhere near my in-tray and it's not a debate around our table."

There are now 11 US-owned Premier League clubs, edging close to the two-thirds majority needed to change league rules. Fears of a revived overseas fixture plan resurfaced last year when Liverpool chairman Tom Werner spoke about hosting games in New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Riyadh, and Rio de Janeiro.

However, not all overseas owners support the concept. Bournemouth’s American owner Bill Foley is against staging league games outside England.

Masters added: "The Premier League flirted with this over a decade ago to grow the league internationally, but we’ve managed that through broadcasting, digital platforms, and initiatives like the US summer series. The original necessity for such a concept has dissipated."

The Premier League transfer window 2025 has smashed records, with clubs spending over £2 billion — far more than Serie A (£740m) and the Bundesliga (£520m).

Liverpool lead the spending charts with over £250m in new signings, including Florian Wirtz for £100m — the biggest transfer of the summer. Chelsea have also spent heavily, while Manchester United secured Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha for nearly £200m combined.

Masters sees this as a positive sign: "Investment in squads is generally a good thing so long as everyone stays within the rules. It strengthens teams, fuels competition, and offers fans a mix of global stars and homegrown talent."

Three Premier League clubs — Everton, Chelsea, and Aston Villa — have transferred ownership of their women’s teams to their parent clubs, helping compliance with Premier League profitability and sustainability rules, which permit £105m losses over three years.

"The rules permit it," said Masters. "We’ve debated whether to change them and decided not to, so that’s the framework we operate under."

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey left the club in June before being charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, which he denies. He has since signed for Villarreal.

Asked if Arsenal handled the matter correctly, Masters said: "It’s between an employer and employee. The Premier League doesn’t have jurisdiction over these matters, but I am sure clubs take them extremely seriously before making decisions."

The creation of a new independent football regulator was confirmed in July, with the aim of protecting the long-term health of the men’s game across England’s top five divisions.

Masters is optimistic: "We are looking forward to working constructively with the regulator. They’ll have powers to intervene in ownership issues like those at Sheffield Wednesday and Morecambe, but there’s no quick fix for poor decision-making. The hope is for quick sales to resolve both situations."

This summer’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup saw 32 teams compete in the United States. Chelsea lifted the trophy with a 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain, while Manchester City exited in the last 16.

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp branded the tournament "the worst idea ever implemented in football", citing player welfare concerns.

Masters said: "We have to have a close look at the impact on Chelsea and Manchester City. There needs to be a proper debate about how many matches players are expected to play. I never want players to have to choose between a Premier League match and resting for another competition."

The 2025–26 Premier League season begins this Friday with champions Liverpool hosting Bournemouth. Masters is expecting a memorable campaign.

"It’s going to be a great season," he said. "The league is stronger than ever and fans are in for a treat."