Clubs must release U-23s for Olympics, says Fifa

Fifa has ruled that all clubs must release players under the age of 23 for the Olympic Games, if they are selected to play. The decision was taken by the judge of the players' status committee this morning, but any other outcome was unlikely after the Fifa president Sepp Blatter sent a letter last Wednesday to all affiliated national associations saying the release of players under 23 was mandatory.

The announcement follows complaints from Barcelona, Werder Bremen and Schalke, who were reluctant to release key players Lionel Messi, Rafinha and Diego respectively for the Beijing Games. The clubs had challenged the Fifa rules, saying the Olympics were not on football's international match calendar. However judge Slim Aloulou of Tunisia said the international calendar "is not of relevance in establishing whether clubs are obliged to release players [for the] men's Olympic football tournament".

The judge highlighted the long-standing practice of releasing players for the Olympics and the "unique opportunity" of taking part in the Games. Blatter made similar points in his letter, saying: "The release of players below the age of 23 has always been mandatory for all clubs. The same principle shall apply for Beijing 2008. The fact that this tournament is not included in the coordinated international match calendar does not mean that there is no release obligation for the relevant clubs."

The clubs also have the option of taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Werder and Schalke have already filed complaints with the CAS and Barcelona had previously indicated that they would pursue such a course if the judicial decision went against them. Barcelona and Schalke both have Champions League ties during the Games.

Lionel Messi had earlier said that although he understood Barcelona's position, it was his dream to play for Argentina at the Olympics. "I want everything to be sorted out," he said on the Barcelona website on Wednesday. "I understand the position of the club because a lot is at stake... But they also have to understand that it is my dream to play for my national team at the Olympic Games.

"From the beginning I've said that I want to play for my national team and I've never had problems until now.... If I get there and CAS says I have to come back then I will come back. For the moment I want to be with my national team and my team mates."

This year's Olympics have caused consternation for many leading clubs due to the games being held so far from Europe and the high number of South Americans now playing in European leagues - Argentina are the reigning gold medallists. Several Premier League teams have agreed to let their players travel, albeit reluctantly.

guardian.co.uk