Clubs want an end to friendlies

Published on Wednesday 8 September 2010 15:26

Europe's top clubs yesterday repeated calls to Fifa to scrap "nonsense" friendly internationals.

The European Clubs' Association (ECA), which represents 200 of the leading clubs on the continent, is demanding talks with the world governing body.

Last month, coaches from across Europe, most vociferously Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, were furious about losing players for a programme of friendlies just as they were preparing for the new domestic season.

ECA chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge branded the August international slot "a nonsense". Scotland travelled to Sweden last month for a friendly and lost 3-0.

Rummenigge said: "We will intervene more and more in the international match calendar.

"Some countries are already playing their third series of internationals since the World Cup. We need deep discussions to find a solution.

"Federations like Fifa need to recognise that the players are our employees and we have to be involved in these kinds of discussions.

"The August friendly date was a nonsense. We have to make Fifa understand that certain things don't make sense. We have to discuss this with Mr (Sepp] Blatter and his colleagues in order to do something for the good of football."