Ronnie denied Olympic chance

Barca refuse to release Brazilian playmaker

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 8th July 2008

Brazil Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho: Misses out on Beijing

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Barcelona have refused permission for Ronaldinho to join the Brazilian Olympic squad.

National coach, Dunga, had named the 28-year-old as an overage player in his travelling party for the Beijing games, but will now be forced to make do without the former World Player of the Year.

Ronaldinho is currently at the centre of a protracted transfer saga after falling out of favour at Camp Nou, but has been told that he is expected to report for pre-season training next week.

Rulings

"Ronaldinho has to report for training next Monday for the first work session of the 2008/09 season," the Primera Liga club said in a statement on their official website.

"The Olympics do not feature in the Fifa calendar and there are no special rulings on the issue, so the club is not obliged to release its players.

"In recent weeks, sports director Txiki Begiristain has consistently stated that Barcelona's objective is to have the maximum number of players available for the Champions League qualifiers."

The Olympic football tournament runs from 6th to 24th August, with Barca due to enter the UEFA Champions League at the third qualifying stage on 12th and 27th August.