Loading ...Jul 30 2008
FIFA Reiterates: Clubs Must Release U23s for Olympics
FIFA ruled today that clubs must release their U23-eligible players for the Olympics in one of the most anticlimactic, predictable, and redundant pieces of news this summer. This marked the third time that FIFA, in some form, had reiterated the stance that it had always held. FIFA’s sanctioning the Olympics and, of course, is going to maintain its value.
Their reiteration does nothing to change the minds of Bundesliga clubs like Werder Bremen and Schalke who continue to maintain players need not be released. The next step for them is to back-up their threat to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The clubs had already filed an appeal, but the CAS put it aside to wait for FIFA’s final decision. It’s an appeal that seems unlikely to work, as the CAS is likely to nod towards FIFA and the stature of the Olympics, never mind that the clubs technically have a point. The Olympics are not part of the International Match Calendar.
The best case scenario out of all this would have been for FIFA to not mandate the clubs but the clubs release their players. That way, the issue doesn’t turn into a power play while those players who are selected to play get to participate. The clubs and FIFA could then start working to ensure a potential confrontation is avoided for the Great Britian games in 2012. As is, that confrontation is happening now.
The only club who may change their plans to withhold a player release is Barcelona, who seemed to be putting more weight in FIFA’s decision than the German clubs were. Still, if Barça was so differential towards FIFA, Lionel Messi would be in Beijing now. As is, he trains with Barcelona.
With the ruling today, FIFA risks looking more inept that they have throughout this process, remarkable considering the brashness with which the Bundesliga clubs and Barcelona have disregarded their rulings. If, after taking this extra time to consider the issue and issue a dramatic, ultimate declaration, the clubs still defy FIFA, what does that say about the governing body?
The ball is now in the Barcelona’s court, as well as the European Club Association’s. Expect them to persist in their views. Barcelona seems willing to let Messi leave temporarily with the expectation he will return if a CAS appeal goes in their favor.
Quotes
“The single judge of the Players’ Status Committee, Slim Aloulou (Tunisia), decided today, 30 July 2008, that the release of players under the age of 23 for the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008 is mandatory for all clubs. Previously, on 29 July 2008, the FIFA Emergency Committee also took a decision in the same sense.” - FIFA
“The single judge determined that the international match calendar is not of relevance in establishing whether clubs are obliged to release players for the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament.” - FIFA
“The single judge stated that taking part in the Olympic Games is a unique opportunity for all athletes of any sporting discipline, and that it would not be justifiable to prevent any player younger than 23 from participating in such an event if his representative team had qualified.” - FIFA
“I am waiting to see what FIFA says and, if it says I don’t have to go, I won’t go. If it says I have to go, I will go without awaiting the decision of the CAS, because that would be too long for my teammates and squad management to have to wait.” - Messi
“Barcelona continues with its stance of not wanting to let me go and I understand it. But I also think they have to understand that my dream is to take part in the Olympic Games with the national team.” - Messi
“FC Barcelona will shortly present before the CAS, or Court of Arbitration for Sport, an appeal against this decision in which it will request the ruling be rescinded and that proceedings be completed with the maximum speed possible.” - Barcelona
“At this stage we are at an impasse. We are going to meet with Messi to take the most convenient decision for both sides.” - Joan Laporta, president, Barcelona
“We understand it is very complex to retain a player. Messi will do what the rules say and I understand these will be interpreted in favor of Barcelona by CAS.” - Laporta
“From the beginning I’ve said that I want to play for my national team and I’ve never had problems until now.” - Messi
Links
FIFA rule clubs mist release U23 Olympic stars
Barcelona must release Messi for Beijing
Barcelona must release Messi for Beijing
Clubs must release U-23s for Olympics, says Fifa
Barca may contest Olympics ruling
FIFA demand Messi released for Olympics
Fifa rules against clubs for Olympics
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