Tuesday, 9 February 2010:

Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly is backing a move to highlight the different ways English Premier League matches are watched around the world, from beach bars in Goa to pubs in Australia.

The number of fans who watch EPL matches live is dwarfed by the hundreds of millions who watch on television in virtually every corner of the planet, with broadcasts reaching an estimated 500 million homes in more than 200 countries and territories.

The extraordinary reach of English top flight football has given rise to new fan cultures and Barclays, the EPL's title sponsor, on Monday launched a competition aimed at putting them in the spotlight.

The banking group wants supporters to submit - in words and/or pictures and video - details of where they watch games, who they're with and the rituals and superstitions that make their match day experiences unique.

The aim is to identify the ultimate fan's experience and the winner is to be selected by a panel including Desailly and Liverpool legend Ian Rush.

"The Barclays Premier League generates such passion and it's no different in my home in Accra, Ghana" Desailly said. "We'll all be shouting at the TV and going mad when Chelsea score."

Rush has been impressed by the fervour of fans in Southeast Asia.

"Despite the time difference fans come to the local sports bars in their replica kit, singing their favourite teams songs and really getting behind the team," he said. "The dedication and passion of these fans is exactly what we want to hear about."

Competition entries can be submitted at www.barclaysfootball.com up until March 22.

AAP