Iconic Premier League stadium set to host Over 35s World Cup as TV companies line up to show inaugural tournament
ONE iconic Premier League stadium could host every single game of the inaugural Over 35s World Cup.
The brand new tournament is set to take place for the first time ever this summer and St James’ Park is reportedly expected to be the host stadium for all seven games.
GettySt James’ Park is set to host the first ever over 35s World Cup[/caption]
According to the Mail Online, Newcastle’s raucous 52,000 seat stadium is the front runner to host every single match.
It is claimed that the tournament’s organiser’s, the Elite Player’s Group (EPG), have been holding positive talks with the Premier League outfit and the local council in Newcastle.
The suggested schedule would see the start of the tournament held over three dates in the first week of June, with the final being played on June 11 or June 12.
Although nothing is yet to be signed between Newcastle and the organisers, EPG have suggested that they are keen to host the tournament in England for its first year.
It is said that the group are in advance talks over making St James’ Park the host stadium despite discussions with a number of other Premier League clubs.
The group are hoping to have a lot of eyes glued to the event and EPG President Matias Sarasola told the Mail Online that they have already “received a lot of offers” from broadcasters to televise the competition.
The proposed tournament would see teams from all eight of the countries who have previously won the Fifa World Cup face off in a mini-tournament.
Those countries – England, Spain, France, Germany, Brazil, Italy, Uruguay and Argentina – would have to pick from a pool of players aged 35 and above.
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How England could line up at the EPG Cup
The chosen players must also have been previously capped by their country or made over 100 top-flight appearances.
The matches are anticipated to be 11-a-side games, but will be played over 70 minutes rather than the traditional 90 and with the addition of rolling substitutions.
A huge number of football icons are rumoured to be set for the ground breaking tournament with each team choosing an 18-man squad.
Steve McManaman is set to skipper England with Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen also expected to take part.
Additionally, the Three Lions have allegedly enlisted Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand, David James, Frank Lampard and Robbie Fowler.
Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Emerson, Kaka, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo are set to form a deadly line-up for Brazil, while Germany captain Kevin Kuranyi is determined to enlist ex-Real Madrid stars Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira.
Rumours suggest David Villa and Carles Puyol will join Michel Salgado in the Spanish squad, with Diego Forlan set to reunite with Diego Lugano for Uruguay.
Christian Karembeu is in line to captain France and will be helped by Chelsea icon Marcel Desailly and Arsenal legend Henry.
Fabio Cannavaro, Marco Materazzi and Francesco Totti are down to represent Italy, with Esteban Cambiasso, Hernan Crespo and Pablo Zabaleta expected to play for Argentina.
Legends set to play at EPG Cup 2024
England:
Steve McManaman (C)
Michael Owen
Ashley Cole
Joe Cole
Rio Ferdinand
David James
Frank Lampard
Robbie Fowler
Argentina:
Esteban Cambiasso (C)
Hernan Crespo
Pablo Zabaleta
Brazil:
Emerson (C)
Kaka
Ronaldinho
Rivaldo
Cafu
Roberto Carlos
France:
Christian Karembeu (C)
Thierry Henry
Marcel Desailly
Germany:
Kevin Kuranyi (C)
Mesut Ozil
Sami Khedira
Italy
Marco Materazzi (C)
Fabio Cannavaro
Francesco Totti
Spain
Michel Salgado (C)
David Villa
Carles Puyol
Uruguay
Diego Lugano (C)
Diego Forlan
Ronaldinho is set ro re-lace his boots for BrazilAFP – Getty
Michael Owen could turn out for England’s teamGetty
GettyThierry Henry may grace the pitch once again for France[/caption]
