FIFA asked to scrap August international matches

Europe's top football clubs, national team coaches and the global players' union wants FIFA to scrap international football matches in August.

Europe's top football clubs, national team coaches and the global players' union wants FIFA to scrap international football matches in August.

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On Wednesday, 50 games are scheduled including marquee clashes such as Germany vs. Brazil, Italy vs. Spain and the United States vs. Mexico.

FIFA protects an August midweek date for national team games on its so-called "international calendar."

Clubs are required to hand over their players for at least three days even though many have not begun their seasons.

France coach Laurent Blanc and Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola are among many unhappy with the schedule.

Players' spokesman Theo van Seggelen tells The Associated Press that FIFA must change the calendar "as soon as possible."