Blatter defends international scheduling

FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Wednesday defended the scheduling of international matches this week just days ahead of the European football season, telling critics to stop making so much "noise".

Virtually all European nations will be in action on Wednesday, with England facing Hungary and France against Norway just a month after the end of the World Cup.

Several club managers and players have made it clear they are not happy, concerned at the impact it will have on their preparations with the new season getting under way on Saturday.

But Blatter, who is in Singapore for the Youth Olympic Games, said the games were friendlies and that no one was forcing anyone to play.

"It is an ongoing problem, the struggle between the interests of the clubs and national associations," he said.

"The players belong to the clubs and clubs want them to be in national teams because obviously it adds to their value, but they don't want them playing so often."

He said that out of all internationals played each year by a country, only two were classified as friendlies and Wednesday's was one of them.

"It means they (national associations) don't need to use these dates and if they do want to use them, then play a second or third team," he said.

"No one tells you you have to play. Bring a second team, but don't make a lot of noise about it. Show a bit of understanding and solidarity with FIFA."

u00a0