Barcelona refuse to let Messi go to Beijing
Barcelona refuse to let Messi go to Beijing
BARCELONA: Barcelona on Wednesday dismissed a FIFA statement calling on clubs to release players under 23 for the Olympics, saying it will not reverse their decision to prevent Argentine striker Lionel Messi from competing in the Games.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter earlier on Wednesday sent a letter to member associations reminding them they must release players aged under 23 for the Olympic tournament, a statement by football’s governing body said.
This statement “changes nothing” and Barca will retain the 21-year-old Messi in the squad for the preliminary round of the Champions League next month, a club spokesman said.
He said Barca are “still waiting for a decision” by FIFA on the specific case of Messi.
Messi has repeatedly expressed his desire to help Argentina defend their Olympic title but the Catalan club has been reluctant to let him go as he is needed for early Champions League matches.
The Olympic tournament begins on Aug 6 with the final on Aug 23, but the first leg of the third Champions League preliminary round is scheduled for August 12-13. – AFP |
發表於 2008-7-25 02:05 PM
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