 Numerous France internationals play in the Premiership |
Fifa could be on collision course with England's top clubs after fixing the date of their Centenary Celebration match two days before the FA Cup final. World football's governing body will demand the release of major stars for the Paris showpiece between France and Brazil.
That could hit some of England's top clubs, who have a strong foreign presence and might be expected to reach the FA Cup final.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all have players who face the prospect of being called up.
Fifa has warned the centenary celebration will be classed as an A international, the same as a World Cup, European Championship or African Cup of Nations match.
That will give France and Brazil the power to force clubs to release players 48 hours before the Paris showpiece.
 | WHO COULD GO Man Utd: Silvestre, Kleberson Arsenal: Henry, Vieira, Pires, Edu, Gilberto Chelsea: Gallas, Desailly, Makelele |
Should either of England's top three clubs reach the FA Cup final, their preparations could be ravaged by the loss of key players in the run-up.
Arsenal could lose French trio Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires, as well as Brazilians Gilberto and Edu.
Manchester United might lose Mikael Silvestre and Kleberson, while Chelsea's French contingent of William Galls, Marcel Desailly and Clause Makelele could also be involved.
Fifa spokesman John Schumacher said: "This game has been on the international football calendar since December 2001.
"The national associations of all countries should have amended their fixture lists."
MMIX
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