Premier League delay meeting with FIFA

LONDON (Reuters) - The Premier League on Tuesday delayed a proposed meeting with world governing body FIFA, casting more doubt over its controversial plan to play a round of league fixtures overseas.

Since the radical plan was announced by Premier League chief Richard Scudamore earlier this month there has been mounting criticism from at home and abroad, with both FIFA and European governing body UEFA voicing strong disapproval.

In a statement the Premier League said more time was needed to consult with professionals within the football world before talking to FIFA. The meeting was to have gone ahead on Thursday.

"We need to conduct further internal studies and consultation before seeking the advice of the world governing body FIFA and the key confederations," the statement read.

"This project is still very much in its infancy, was always subject to development, clarification and wide consultation and we remain disappointed that these facts and many others were lost when early opinions were formed by many without any detailed knowledge.

"Having consulted with FIFA, we have decided to delay our planned visit whilst we conduct further work prior to addressing them and their confederations formally."

NOT DEAD

The plan, which would start in 2010-11 would extend the Premier League season from 38 to 39 games, was branded "a joke" by UEFA president Michel Platini while FIFA boss Sepp Blatter was no less hostile, saying it could even harm England's bid to stage the 2018 World Cup.

Despite so much resistance, the Premier League said the plan was not dead.