Sao Paulo, April 11: Corinthians will play two friendlies in Asia before this year's FIFA World Cup, the Brazilian football club revealed.

The eight-day trip will include a match in China and another in the United Arab Emirates, Corinthians' football director Ronaldo Ximenes said Thursday night, reports Xinhua.

Brazil's Serie A championship will begin a six-week recess June 2 to accommodate the World Cup.

Ximenes said the friendlies would maintain players' fitness and promote the club's brand in Asia.

Meanwhile, Sao Paulo have also announced plans for June fixtures against other foreign teams.

The club's football vice-president Joao Paulo de Jesus Lopes said talks were underway for matches against teams in the United States and Canada.

IANS