Russian league plan to stage game in London

London could host a Russian Premier Liga match this spring in an ambitious project being spearheaded by marketing company IMG and FC Moscow.

According to Sport Express, IMG have approached the capital club, who finished the 2007 Russian season in fourth spot, with the suggestion of playing their first "home" match of the 2008 campaign against defending champions Zenit St Petersburg in mid-March in the English capital.

FC Moscow president Yuri Belous will present the idea at a meeting with the Russian Premier Liga (RFPL) on Tuesday and will also seek the approval of the Russian FA (RFS).

"I think it is a highly interesting project, especially for the RFPL," Belous told the Russian sports newspaper.

"If we want to promote the Russian Premier Liga, the league, its teams and its players need to be known abroad.

"Considering thousands of Russians live in England and the curiosity of the English people, the event could arouse significant interest."

It would be the first time in the history of Russian football that a league game has been played outside of Russian territory, with Chelsea's Stamford Bridge suggested as a possible venue.