Premier League ponder overseas games

The Premier League called a news conference on Thursday to announce plans that could lead to some matches being played abroad.

A meeting of the 20 clubs on Thursday morning has agreed to explore the possibility of staging an extra match a season that would be played in a city in Asia, North America or the Middle East.

However, Jeremy Hunt, shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport, told London's LBC 97.3 radio station: "I think it would be a shame that's my instant reaction. But I do think that the Premier League benefits from the fact that we do have some of the best players in the whole world and I think we are very lucky with the Premier League we have."

The details of how the system would work have yet to be finalised but it would mean each club playing 39 games, with a draw to pick out each side's overseas match.

The idea would be to cash in on existing interest in the Premier League around the world.

Under the proposal, points earned in the overseas game would count towards the final league position.