Fifa to reveal Olympic stance

Clubs set to find out if they must part with stars

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 29th July 2008

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Fifa will announce on Wednesday if they intend to force clubs to release players for the Olympics.

The Beijing games have caused controversy at a number of Europe's top clubs, with teams unwilling to allow key men to travel to China.

The current ruling states that clubs must release any player under the age of 23 if they receive a call-up from their respective country.

Football's governing body has sought the assistance of a legal adviser before making a decision on whether this rule should continue to be upheld.

Fifa is aware that Barcelona have already threatened to take their fight to the Court of Arbitration for Sport should they lose Argentina international Lionel Messi.

Appeal

Meanwhile, Werder Bremen and Schalke have seen Diego and Rafinha join up with the Brazil squad despite their employers' best efforts to keep the duo in Germany.

Wednesday's ruling will come just eight days before the start of the Olympic tournament, giving teams little time to appeal should they wish to do.

The competition begins one day before the official opening of the games on 8th August and runs for just over three weeks.

As a result, many clubs are facing the prospect of being without a number of players for crucial fixtures at the start of the 2008/09 season.

Those players who currently ply their trade in England will miss the start of the new Premier League campaign, while Barca and Bremen have vital UEFA Champions League qualifiers in mid-August.