Global impact of Premier League praised by ministers

The global appeal of the Premier League around the world over the past 30 years was praised by Government ministers this week, calling it "one of the UK’s biggest exports”.

The Premier League Trophy was present at the Department for International Trade (DIT) to help to promote International Trade Week.

There, Greg Hands, the minister of state at DIT, and Andrew Bowie, an under secretary of state, hailed the economic and social benefits of the competition, which is watched in 880 million homes in 188 countries.

Nigel Huddleston, an under secretary of state at DIT, added: "Over the 30 years, the Premier League has had a huge impact and the Premier League now sustains over 100,000 jobs in the UK.

"They play a pivotal part for our economy, our society, and our culture. And in terms of exports, we have those fantastic TV rights, international TV rights, and also the inbound tourism that the Premier League generates. So the very best wishes to the next 30 years. We really appreciate the relationship that we have with you and the very best wishes for the future.”

The Trophy also was present this week at the Foreign Office as the 10th anniversary of the GREAT campaign was commemorated.

The League has been a longstanding supporter of the GREAT campaign, which aims to promote the UK to a global audience and strengthen trading relationships between the UK and other regions all around the world.

In the past 12 months, the Premier League was the showpiece element of the "GREAT Calling New York" campaign, where 500 fans attended an immersive match screening event in Brooklyn for Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur. 

This weekend, the Trophy will be in Mumbai at a GREAT reception to promote the ties between the UK and India.