Clubs all behind overseas plan says Premier League chief

By Mitch Phillips

LONDON (Reuters) - Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said he still has the backing of all 20 clubs to investigate the idea of playing 10 matches overseas from 2010 and stressed fans would be consulted on the controversial proposal.

However, anyone who believes localised opposition from supporters in England could kill the "39th game" idea should think again as Scudamore included the league's "worldwide fanbase" in his consultation agenda and said he believed it was an idea "whose time has come".

"It is important we have the support of the 20 clubs and we still have the support of the 20 clubs to investigate and look at the proposal," Scudamore told Sky Sports News on Wednesday.

"The media have tried to make some idea that people are breaking ranks, but everybody is in the same position.

"They want to know answers to some questions. They want to think through some of the implications for the competition. They want to know whether the whole thing stacks up and that's exactly where we are, so the clubs are solid.

"We had a good meeting yesterday at the professional game board of the Football Association where we explained some more details to our Football League and FA colleagues.

"We need to see whether the gain is worth some of the downsides."

Supporter groups, former players and several leading managers have been quick to condemn the plan and even British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, a Scot, said the voice of supporters should be heard.