MUMBAI: Barclays, title sponsor of the Barclays Premier League, has launched a global competition ‘Around the World in 90 Minutes’, for fans. 

Fans are required to explain in no more than 100 words why they feel their match-day experience is the best in the world.  Fans are also encouraged to support their entries by uploading videos and photos. The competition will run from 8 February to 22 March. The winner will be announced in April. The winner will be selected by the competition judging panel led by former Chelsea and France legend, Marcel Desailly, and global football commentator Martyn Tyler. Entries can be submitted by visiting the competition website, barclaysfootball.com.  

The fan who enters the best Barclays Premier League match-day experience will win a trip for two to see their favourite Barclays Premier League team play live in the UK along with a team shirt of their choice. 

Liverpool legend Ian Rush said, “I have spent a lot of time in South East Asia where the Barclays Premier League is as popular there as it is in the UK. 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. The dedication and passion of these fans is exactly what we want to hear about.”

Fellow judge, Barclays Global Retail Banking CEO of Emerging Markets Vinit Chandra said, “The Barclays Premier League has captured the imagination of football fans all over the world.  It is watched in over 200 countries and territories, and we know that week in and week out fans everywhere enjoy watching and listening to the Barclays Premier League, and have set up their own match day rituals and experiences that are unique to them. This competition offers fans the chance to tell us why they feel their experience is the best in the world.”

Around 13.5 million fans attend Barclays Premier League matches live in the UK every season, and globally the League reaches an estimated 500 million homes in 211 countries.