Celtic, Dundee hold talks over hosting Scottish Premiership match in USA

A general view outside the ground ahead of the pre season friendly match between Dundee and Everton at Dens Park on July 28, 2015
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Dundee reveal that they have held talks with Celtic over playing one of their Scottish Premiership matches in the United States.

Dundee have confirmed that they have held initial talks with Celtic over hosting a Scottish Premiership match in the United States.

The Scottish club moved to confirm recent reports that they could play a match in either Boston or Philadelphia, where Celtic have a large US fan base.

Nothing official has been lodged yet, but Dundee's American owners Tim Keyes and John Nelms are said to be keen on the idea.

"We can confirm that Dundee Football Club and Celtic Football Club have had initial discussions about the possibility of playing a fixture in the United States of America," read a Dundee statement.

"The proposal is very much is in its early stages and of course the relevant approvals would be sought from the SPFL Board at the appropriate time.

"As a club we are always looking to bring new ideas to the table and should this progress we firmly believe it will be a fantastic opportunity for Dundee, Celtic and Scottish Football as a whole."

FIFA has responded and warned the clubs that it could have the final say on their proposals.

In a statement given to PA, football's governing body said: "In accordance with the FIFA Regulations Governing International Matches, any such match could only be played if approved by the member associations and confederations concerned.

"Further, according to art. 82.4 of the FIFA Statutes, FIFA may take in any case a final decision. For the time being we have not been contacted with regard to the specific proposal referred to and therefore we are not in a position to comment further."

Celtic have played a number of friendlies in North America and are said to have been looking into the feasibility of starting a franchise in the North American Soccer League, the division below Major League Soccer.

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