MADRID, (Reuters) - Spain's La Liga must push ahead with
plans for earlier kick-off times if it wants to compete with the
English Premier League in Asia and the Middle East, according to
Spain striker Fernando Torres.
"La Liga...is already lagging behind in not playing matches at 3
p.m.," Torres, who plays for English club Liverpool, said in an
interview published in Saturday's As newspaper.
"The Premier League has the best media profile in the world.
Part of that success is down to the times of the matches which
means they can be watched all around the world, especially in Asia
and the Middle East."
La Liga games involving Real Madrid and Barcelona often kick off
at 2200 Spanish time (0400 in Beijing) and the professional soccer
league has said it is considering playing some matches earlier to
tap into global markets.
Real director Emilio Butragueno said last month the club wanted
earlier matches and that the arrival of star players like Cristiano
Ronaldo and Kaka had created an opportunity for clubs to boost
their earnings abroad.