September 8 – Europe’s top clubs are demanding the football tournament at the London 2012 Olympics be restricted to under-21 players and want FIFA to resist calls to make the event part of the international calendar which would force them to release their leading players, like Argentina’s Lionel Messi (pictured).
They are calling on FIFA President Sepp Blatter to back their campaign which could put the future of football in the Olympics in jeopardy.
Jacques Rogge, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has warned Blatter the sport risks elimination if it adopts the controversial proposals to make the tournament an event only open to under-21 players.
He wants to keep the current under-23 format which also allows three over-age players to take part, a format that would Britain to pick someone like Wayne Rooney or, even, David Beckham at London 2012.
But the European Club Association (ECA), representing 144 clubs from 53 nations, wants Blatter to stand by statements that the London tournament should be an under-21 event.
Joan Laporta, the President of European champions Barcelona and vice-chairman of the ECA, said: ”We thought it was clearly accepted by FIFA.
“We expect that Mr. Blatter will honour his commitment.”
The IOC also wants the Olympic tournament put on FIFA’s international calendar which would force clubs to release players.
European clubs object because an Olympic tournament scheduled in July-August interrupts their pre-season planning and qualifying matches for the lucrative Champions League.
Laporta (pictured) tried to stop its Messi going to China last year to play for Argentina.
Barcelona joined German clubs Schalke and Werder Bremen to defeat FIFA at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but then gave in to pleas to let the players go.
Laporta said: ”Fortunately it was wonderful.
“They [Argentina] won the gold medal and Messi had a marvelous season.
“But I would give you a lot of examples of [clubs] taking risks.
“It’s very important to have a clear-cut rule and don’t leave the decisions to the clubs.
“Then we get pressure from the players, the national associations and the fans.”
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