Brazil will continue playing international friendlies in or near Europe as part of an agreement which will allow South America to keep its World Cup qualifying competition, the head of the national federation said.

Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Ricardo Teixeira told reporters Brazil would not be playing any friendlies at home in the near future.

He said in return, European clubs where most of Brazil's top players are based, would drop their opposition to the South American World Cup qualifying system in which the 10 teams play each other twice over a period of nearly three years.

"It's impossible," Teixeira told reporters after being asked if Brazil would play any home friendlies.

"There's a five-hour time difference, a 12-hour flight and a demand in the agreement which allow us to keep the qualifying system in which we can only play (friendlies) within four or five hours' flying time (of Europe)," he said.

"This makes it impossible for us to play in South America or Asia."

Brazil have played four international friendlies since the World Cup in Europe.

In addition to an away game against Norway, the five-times world champions have played Argentina in London, Ecuador in Stockholm and Wales, also in London. They also played an exhibition match in Kuwait against a local selection.

Diego in, Ronaldo out

Brazil recalled Werder Bremen midfielder Diego for a friendly international against Switzerland in Basle on November 15.

The 21-year-old, who has made an excellent start to his Bundesliga career, last played for his country in the Copa America final against Argentina more than two years ago.

Ronaldinho, Robinho and Kaka were included but, as expected, there was no place for out of sorts striker Ronaldo who is struggling for form with Real Madrid.