FIFA is expected to confirm shortly that the rule governing the release of players for international games will be amended in the New Year.

A working group set up to report on the controversial regulation will recommend that, in future, clubs will have to make selected players available to national team managers four days before a competitive game.

This compares with the current five-day release clause which has angered some club managers. The old rule will continue to apply in cases in which players are required to travel from one continent to another.

Additionally, the working group is understood to have recommended that the number of friendly internationals be reduced, a move which is likely to be opposed by the national federations.

The proposed legislation reflects the tension between club managers and those involved with national teams. In moving to appease clubs, FIFA will be seen to minimise the possibility of breakaway groups functioning independently.