© EuroFootball.com
Players participating in the 2006 World Cup in Germany will not be able to represent their clubs after May 15, FIFA unexpectedly announced on Tuesday.
FIFA justified its decision by stating that players need some rest before the World Cup starting on June 9. The only exception to this ban will be the UEFA Champions League final, which will take place two days later on May 17.
"23 players from each team that have qualified for the World Cup will not be able to represent their clubs after May 15," FIFA said in a statement.
"We don't want tired players," FIFA officials commented on the decision.
It is still unclear how clubs will react to this requirement, as their relationship with FIFA has been quite tense recently due to injuries players suffer while representing national teams.
