Fifa to give players rest

Blatter will help decide whether to green light the proposal

Players are to be given extra time to prepare for the 2006 World Cup if a Fifa's Executive Committee approve a proposal by their technical experts.

If agreed, domestic campaigns will end on 14 May in 2006 and 15-22 May will be a rest period before preparations begin for the 9 June start of the World Cup.

"The view of the technical experts in world football is very clear," said Fifa said in a statement.

"Players, especially internationals, are taking part in too many matches."

The statement added: "As a likely consequence of the increase in matches, the performances of top players fell below expectations in both the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004."

The final of the Champions League will take place a week earlier than scheduled on 17 May while the Uefa Cup final would be seven days sooner on 10 May.

A meeting of the Football Committee and Technical and development Committee also wants fewer matches played during a league season.