MORE AMERICANS INTERESTED IN 'SOCCER'

Last updated : 12 June 2005 By Editor

More NFL owners may follow Malcolm Glazer's lead and look into buying European football clubs.

Glazer has completed a £790m takeover of Manchester United and Clark Hunt, whose family own NFL team Kansas City Chiefs, says others could do the same.

"We're seeing a globalisation of sport so it will be logical if you see some of our other owners buying in Europe.

"As we move forward it's something we will look at. There's definitely a chance.

"We will follow the story with interest - we follow the sport in Europe - and we will keep our eyes on how things are going over there.

"One unfortunate aspect of professional sport is the need to raise ticket prices.

"It's not great for fans but it's a reality if you want to keep teams competitive.

"I know it must be difficult having one of your national treasures owned by a group of Americans.

"But the Glazers are very good business people and will be very focused on continuing to be very successful on the field - much like they have been with the Buccaneers.

"They realise that part of being successful from a business standpoint is having a winning team."