FIFA has targeted player burnout in the run-up to the World Cup in 2006, setting a May 14 cut off for all major competitions including domestic cup finals in the season preceding world football's showpiece.

"Major competitions in the 2005/2006 season, including cup finals, must be completed in all confederations and associations by May 14, 2006 at the latest," the executive committee of world football's governing body said in a statement.

There are two exceptions, however, with FIFA giving the nod for the Champions League final to be held on May 17, 2006 and the English FA Cup Final three days later which is set to be the inaugural match at a rebuilt Wembley.

The move would allow "players representing the teams qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup sufficient time to recover and prepare for the final competition."

"Any exceptions to this ruling may only be granted to top non-European leagues and would require the approval of FIFA.

"Furthermore, any players not playing in the top leagues who are called up to represent their country at the FIFA World Cup" must also be released by May 14, 2006 at the latest."

(Agencies)