Fifa president Sepp Blatter has threatened intervention

Blatter blamed the poor performances of the top nations at Euro 2004 on crowded domestic calendars and threatened that Fifa could take action.

He said: "I have said before that 20 clubs is too many, 18 is the limit, there are too many games at club level.

"So we must absolutely reduce that figure and we will impose a limit via Fifa statutes."

Blatter added: "I enjoyed Euro 2004 but I was also a little saddened and forced to reflect.

"Like at the 2002 World Cup many stars were physically and mentally exhausted and left an after-taste of nonchalence and lassitude.

There are too many games, especially in the national league Fifa president Sepp Blatter

"Zinedine Zidane seemed to be hiding against the Greeks and was not looking for the ball.

"If, on the other hand, the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year had been at the top of his game he would have run after the ball in decisive moments."

Although Blatter repeated his desire to reduce the number of domestic club games, the Fifa president hinted that re-working the international calendar may provide a solution.

Blatter said: "In reality, it is not a question of fixing a ceiling of clubs but of dates.

"Cases are different from one country to another whether there are one or two domestic cups, two-legged matches or not.

"The international calendar of FIFA is well-structured and not overloaded.

"The total number of matches is correct and the relationship between club competitions and national team competitions is balanced.

We must find a balance between the interest of the clubs and of the national teams Sepp Blatter

"There are too many games, especially in the national league.

"Some associations organise championships with 20 teams, even more. We must absolutely reduce the figure, less teams means more quality."

Blatter made it clear he was prepared to act to enforce that demand.

"We must therefore intervene to break the rhythm, protect footballers and therefore football.

"We must find a balance between the interest of the clubs and of the national teams.