When Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore launched his revolutionary “39th step” initiative in a London hotel last week he described it as an “idea whose time has come”.

Yesterday, in a small, meeting room inside Fifa’s HQ in Zurich, “Project Scudamore” looked like an idea whose time was over.

It has taken exactly a week for Fifa president Sepp Blatter to deliver his verdict on the idea to take 10 extra Premier League games a season to five cities across the globe from January 2011.

“I am astonished but definitely not surprised because working now for 33 years in football, and especially with what has happened with the last 15 years in professional football, you shouldn’t be surprised by proposals around the world,” said Blatter during a withering 40-minute attack on the English professional game. “But the idea for the 39th round of the Premier League to be played in different cities around the world? I do not know if I should be shattered or just smiling. I am in between.”

Accusing Scudamore of being irresponsible, he said: “Football is the most popular movement in the world and because of that, everyone should assume their responsibility. The Premier League says it is the best league in the world. Because of that, it should also deserve more responsibility.

“To try to have additional exposure and revenue by expanding the League around the world — this is not acceptable. It will not be acceptable to the Fifa executive committee, I am sure.” (© Daily Telegraph, London)