European champions France and World Cup holders Brazil have snubbed FIFA by refusing to limit substitutions in Thursday's match to mark the centenary of world soccer's ruling body.

France coach Jacques Santini, keen to avoid injuries less than a month before Euro 2004, said he had struck an agreement with Brazil counterpart Carlos Alberto Parreira to allow each team to use more than the usual three substitutes permitted.

"FIFA wanted to have a normal match with only three substitutes allowed. They put the pressure on," Santini told a news conference at France's Clairefontaine training camp the day before the game at the Stade de France.

"But taking into account the context of the match, we coaches agreed to allow the use of more replacements.

"When you come to this time of the season, you must be careful about everything."

Santini did not specify how many substitutes each team would use but said "most of the bench will be able to play".

He is desperate to avoid losing a key player through injury before France start the defence of their European title in Portugal against England on June 13.

"This is an important and prestigious match. The kind of one no player wants to let go. So it can turn out to be dangerous," he said.

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"What we must keep in mind is to be ready on June 8 when we will leave for Portugal. So, we won't take any risks. We will field those who are ready to play."

Parreira shares Santini's concerns as Brazil have an important 2006 World Cup qualifier at home to arch-rivals Argentina on June 2.

The match is being billed as Brazil's chance to avenge their shock 3-0 World Cup final defeat by France in 1998 in the same stadium but Santini said he would keep it in perspective.

"This is an important match but this is not the most important," he said. "It's part of our preparation."