The Spanish league must adopt plans for earlier kick-offs if it wants to compete with the Premier League in Asia and the Middle East, Fernando Torres warned today.

“La Liga … is already lagging behind in not playing matches at 3pm,” Torres told 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.”

El classico matches involving Real Madrid and Barcelona often kick off at 10pm Spanish time, which is 4am in Beijing, and directors of La Liga are 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 players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka had created an opportunity for clubs to boost their earnings abroad.