7 Feb 2008Premier League matches 'could be played overseas'

The English Premier League is exploring the possibility of staging ten league matches abroad every year.

According to the BBC, the proposal - which was discussed by all 20 clubs at a meeting in London on Thursday - will see the season extended to 39 games with cities from around the world bidding to stage one of the ten extra matches.

Points earned would count towards the end-of-season total.

Changes would need to be ratified at the Premier League's annual summer meeting in June, but could come into effect as early as the 2010/11 season.

Should this be the case, it is likely that cities in Asia, the Middle East and North America would be interested in hosting games.

British-based fans, however, might be aggrieved that clubs are becoming too interested in the commercial side of football at the expense of appeasing their existing supporters.

The move comes soon after NFL league commissioner Roger Goodell endorsed a recommendation for at least one gridiron game to be played in the UK for the next three years.

Last year the New York Giants beat the Miami Dolphins at Wembley, and this year the New Orleans Saints are set to take on the San Diego Chargers.

© Copyright