Top > Sport > 2007 > February > 2007-02-09

NFL Match to be Played in London

Wembley, the 90,000 seat stadium in London, which ordinarily hosts soccer matches, will have guests from the United States next year. The Miami Dolphins ownership said it was willing to help promote the National Football League and American Football by giving up a home game and playing overseas to open next season. The game is scheduled against the New York Giants.

English football fans can reserve October 28, 2007 for watching the first NFL regular season game to ever be played outside North America. Mexico City has hosted a game in the past. Dolphins owner expressed his commitment to the cause of promoting the game overseas, saying "It`s important for the NFL to move forward on a global basis. If we can make the NFL stronger around the world, we will help."

Not all Dolphins, though, are excited about giving up one of only eight home games. All-Pro defensive end Jason Taylor said he and others on the team are among those who are less in favor of the idea. "Some guys have had some issues with it, but nothing big," he said on behalf of his teammates. But the game is expected to be sold out by curious English fans and about 10,000 Americans expected to travel over Halloween weekend. The game will also be carried over live on American television, and the time of game (6pm eastern standard time) will make it rather convenient for all, except for the players, perhaps.