All 20 clubs in the top flight have promised 50,000 pounds each to help provide relief to an area where English football is followed passionately.

"I think everyone has been taken aback by the sheer enormity of events following the Indian Ocean earthquake," said Richard Scudamore, chief executive of the Premier League.

"The Premier League and our clubs have strong connections throughout the region and there was a real feeling amongst the clubs that we should do something as a collective to try and alleviate some of the pain and suffering that is so evident across those areas affected by the tsunami.

"Our thoughts go out to those who are suffering as a result of this catastrophe and hopefully this donation will help make a real difference as the disaster relief operation gets under way."

Football's relief effort was kick-started by Everton's announcement it was opening a relief fund.

The Liverpool-based club decided to take the lead because of its sponsorship links with Thai brewers Chang, who will be responsible for distributing the money raised.