The so-called 'big six' teams of the Premier League have been defeated in their efforts to force through changes to the way that overseas TV revenue is distributed.

Under current arrangements, domestic TV revenue is split partly on league position, whereas the overseas revenue is divided equally between all 20 clubs.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur had been pushing for a change that would see 35% of overseas revenue awarded on merit, arguing that the top teams' pulling power should be reflected in the distribution of TV earnings.

League rules state that a minimum of 14 clubs must back any alterations to the arrangements and with a defeat virtually guaranteed, the Premier League has abandoned plans for a vote on the change tomorrow.

A PL spokesman confirmed: "It has become clear that there is currently no consensus for change, meaning tomorrow's club meeting is not necessary."

The current overseas TV rights deals deliver around £39m per season for each club, although that figure could rise significantly when the next set of rights come up for auction in the next few months.