FA positive over foreign games

Premier League proposals to stage matches overseas have met with a positive response from the Football Association's Professional Game Board.

The plans, which have divided the football world since they were unveiled on Thursday, would see a 39th 'international round' of games added to the season starting in 2010-11.

An outline of the Premier League's proposals was presented to the FA at a routine meeting on Tuesday and PGB chairman Lord Mawhinney said in a statement: "Members of the PGB welcomed the opportunity to discuss the concept of the international round with the Premier League."

He added: "The PGB was pleased to confirm that last Thursday's announcement was only the start of a process, and that the Premier League itself recognises the necessity of a detailed period of consultation with the FA, the Football League and other significant stakeholders in the game.

"The PGB, however, did note this was an innovative and exciting proposal and, given the above assurances, appreciated the strategic need for it to be explored comprehensively."

Plans would see 10 top-flight games played in five major cities over one weekend in mid-January.

The Premier League are set to seek approval from both FIFA and UEFA but accept it could be another year before they are in a position to confirm the concept will go ahead.