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FIFA
to rule on players' use for Beijing
By GBOLAHAN DADA
Thursday, July 10, 2008
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Photo:
Sun News Publishing |
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FIFA will issue guidelines today to calm the growing tension
between clubs and countries over the use of players for the
Beijing Olympics.
FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, an International Olympic Committee
(IOC) member, is preparing to rule on whether players must
report for national duty if selected for next month's Beijing
Games, which conflict with the start of the European season.
Brazil star, Ronaldinho, has been chosen for China, but the
28-year-old midfielder's Spanish club, FC Barcelona, are refusing
to let him go. Brazil is to play the host nation on August
13.
FIFA declined to comment on Wednesday, but said an official
statement from the president's office is expected soon.
Blatter has been an IOC member since 1999 and is a strong
supporter of the Olympic tournament.
"For any player, the Olympic football tournament represents
a highlight of his career and I hope that a solution can be
found," Blatter said in February.
Current FIFA rules obliges clubs to release players 23 and
under, but allows them to withhold older players. Each of
the 16 competing teams can have three overage players on their
roster.
The informal rule is being tested by two German clubs after
the announcement of the Brazil squad on Tuesday.
Werder Bremen have refused to release Diego, a 23-year-old
midfielder, and Schalke want to keep their 22-year-old defender,
Rafinha.
Both clubs say the players would miss preseason training and
two Bundesliga games, while Schalke have a Champions League
qualifying-round match scheduled for August 12 or 13.
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