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 said.

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

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.