'Kaiser' urges caution on EPL expansion

(CNN) -- Football legend Franz Beckenbauer says the English Premier League's plan to play matches overseas is a "good idea" but is warning that to do so against the wishes of FIFA would be foolhardy.

The 'Kaiser', who is a FIFA executive committee member, said England's bid for the 2018 World Cup could be affected by any row with the world governing body.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has already expressed his outright opposition to the Premier League's plan for each club to hold a 39th game in a foreign city.

Beckenbauer, speaking in St Petersburg at the Laureus sports awards, said: "If FIFA is against this idea to put Premier League games outside the country, I wouldn't do it.

"The decision on who gets the World Cup 2018 will happen very soon and England are one of the favorites. At this time I wouldn't be so cocky to go against FIFA."

Former German international captain and World Cup hero Beckenbauer nevertheless has some sympathy for the principle.

"It's a good idea that with important games such as the FA Cup final, instead of playing at Wembley play it in Beijing or in Shanghai or wherever.

"I think it's a good idea from the clubs. I realize the comment of the FIFA president - he doesn't like it so much.

"He realizes these games disturb the market but it is great promotion for important games in the Premier League being played outside the country," he added.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore is determined to press ahead with face to face talks with Blatter, despite a hostile reception from supporters and little support from the English Football Association who said they have "serious reservations" about the proposals. E-mail to a friend