Fifa - Player release mandatory

Blatter steps into Olympic row

Last updated: 23rd July 2008

Sepp Blatter

Blatter: Wants players released

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Sepp Blatter has reminded clubs that it is 'mandatory' for them to release players aged 23 and under for this summer's Olympic Games.

The Fifa president has written to all 205 member associations in an attempt to quell the growing discontent from a number of sides at the loss of key players for the tournament in China.

Werder Bremen and Schalke have threatened to take the issue to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after seeing Brazilian duo Diego and Rafinha called up by their country.

But Blatter said in his letter: "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 co-ordinated international match calendar "does not mean that there is no release obligation for the relevant clubs," he added.

Core

He continued: "It would appear to be against the spirit of the Olympic regulations to hinder players under the age of 23, who are actually the core of the squads participating in the Men's Olympic Football Tournament, to take part in the final phase of the event."

Blatter confirmed that it was not compulsory to release players over the age of 23 - three are allowed per squad - but appealed for goodwill from clubs.

Liverpool are set to lose Javier Mascherano to the Argentina Olympic squad, despite the fact he is 24.

Manchester City's new Brazilian striker Jo, who is 21, has been selected and while manager Mark Hughes would prefer to have his £19million signing available, the club have made no attempt to prevent him going.

Frustrated

Hughes told the club's official website: "We're a little bit frustrated by the fact that he's gone to the Olympics, ideally we'd have preferred him to stay with us, but we have to respect that. It's a high-profile competition and we look on it as something positive.

"The type of players Brazil are taking with them show that it's viewed in a great light in their country.

"He's part of a very select few players who've been given the opportunity to win the Olympics for Brazil, which they have never done, so I think he'll benefit from the experience."