FIFA ruling clears way for young players

ZURICH, Switzerland – FIFA ruled Wednesday that professional clubs must release players age 23 or younger for the Beijing Olympics, clearing the way for Lionel Messi to play for Argentina despite opposition from FC Barcelona.

Slim Aloulou, a Tunisian judge on FIFA’s player status committee, said the release was “mandatory for all clubs.”

“Taking part in the Olympic Games is a unique opportunity for all athletes of any sporting discipline,” FIFA said in a statement. “It would not be justifiable to prevent any player younger than 23 from participating in such an event if his representative team had qualified.”

Barcelona said in a statement it would appeal the decision.

“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the CAS, or Court of Arbitration for Sport, an appeal against this decision in which it will request the ruling be rescinded and that proceedings be completed with the maximum speed possible,” the club said.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said he would be meeting with Messi to discuss the matter.

Apart from Messi, the decision means that Schalke and Werder Bremen must release Rafinha and Diego, respectively, for Brazil. The three clubs had challenged the FIFA rules, saying the Olympics were not included on soccer’s international match calendar.

But FIFA said the calendar only reflects the schedule for A-teams – those that include players older than 23. The dates for the Beijing tournament are set by the International Olympic Committee, not by FIFA. The release of young players has traditionally been accepted by clubs since 1988.

A FIFA emergency committee confirmed the rule Tuesday.

Messi has said he would return to Barcelona if CAS ruled in its favor.