English Premier League chairman Dave Richards has vowed to help protect Asia from being exploited by money-grabbing clubs.

"We'll be talking to clubs when we go back to England [Images]," said Richards, who is in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the issue with Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohamed Bin Hammam.

Manchester United [Images], Everton, Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers were among the English clubs who toured Asia in the close season.

However, such tours have been criticised by Hammam, who says clubs are only interested in milking Asian fans of their cash without leaving behind any kind of legacy.

"We won't let that happen. We are totally against teams coming to Asia for two days and then returning home," Richards told reporters on Thursday.

"We may even tell them that we'll pay for their hotels and airfares and ask them not to take any fees.

"We've been talking to the AFC and it could be that we come up with some sort of code or memorandum of understanding in the near future."

But Richards said the Premier League could not stop big companies paying millions of pounds to bring teams to English football strongholds such as Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

He urged Asian countries to produce their own David Beckhams, Wayne Rooneys and Michael Owens so they do not have to rely on imported teams for star quality.

"What we can't do is stop a sponsor from paying Manchester United five million pounds to go to Asia," said Richards.

EDUCATE KIDS

"It's a free market and they can do that if they want. But what we will try to do is make sure English teams who do come to Asia will bring with them programmes to take to the community and educate kids in Asia.

"Football in England is very much involved in fighting crime and drugs through various programmes started by the Premier League, and we hope that we can replicate some of these programmes in Asia."

Hammam said clubs from England and Europe have benefited financially from the enormous Asian market and are thus morally obliged to support football programmes in these countries.

"We are not against European clubs playing in Asia as it gives our players, coaches and administrators a chance to see what professional football is from close range. From that point of view, I am very supportive," said Bin Hammam.

"However, currently the clubs just come, play and leave.

"Of course, legally we cannot stop these clubs from coming to Asia nor can we control their activities," he added.

"However, European clubs have to remember that our national associations, players and fans look to them not as gold-diggers but as leaders and role models in the game."

Richards also said he was confident attendances at Premier League games would recover as the season progresses.

The league is concerned by a drop in crowds during the early season with much of the blame attached to boring tactics as teams try to avoid defeat instead of playing attacking football.

"I'm glad I'm in Malaysia and not in England at the moment because it is a big issue there," said Richards. "I think this is a jolt in the arm for clubs who charge 50 pounds for tickets.

"Overall, I believe the drop is six percent but I'm sure it will get better as the season goes on."

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