Intro:

European football's governing body UEFA have agreed to a request from the European Clubs Association (ECA) to cut the number of international matches played each year from 12 to nine from 2014 onwards.

It was also announced in Warsaw, Poland on Tuesday (February 28th) that the clubs will enjoy a larger share of profits from European Championships and insure salaries for players who are injured while on international duty.

However, FIFA have yet to ratify the deal after the ECA last week announced a boycott on talks with the world football governing body following its refusal to accept the clubs' demands.

Script:

SOUNDBITE (English) Michele Centenaro, ECA General Secretary

"We agreed, so we supported a proposal from the European football family on the calendar, the international calendar, that will have to be discussed soon at FIFA level. Finally, when it comes to the autonomous agreement at EU (European Union) level, our general assembly ratified this autonomous agreement that we've been working upon for years, including players and leagues, so this also a major step in the relationship between clubs and players.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, ECA Chairman

"We found very, very good fair and serious compromises in Europe.... and I would always open the door for Mr. Blatter to take part in this agreement as well. It is not our will.... to go against FIFA, but I believe our request regarding democracy, governance and transparency has to be acceptable in a way which we believe."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, ECA Chairman

"As I said, it is not easy.... for the FIFA, because the interests are very different from Europe to Africa, to Asia, to South America and it's not an easy task for the president and for the exco (FIFA executive committee, to) find always appropriate and fair compromises."