FIFA puts pressure on clubs
July 20th 2008 02:11
Clubs that have let players participate in the Olympics will not be able to get in contact with their stars until after the tournament FIFA has warned.
The news comes days after superstars Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi were eager to partake in Beijing for Brazil and Argentina respectively.
Spanish giants Barcelona are keen for Messi to stay with the club for the pre-season which involves qualifying matches en route to the Champions League.
However, it is likely Barcelona will have to make do without the Argentine star, after FIFA put a curfew for all clubs, which will cease communication with players currently in Beijing.
The international Olympic committee said FIFA decided to sanction all clubs from speaking to their players in Olympic committment.
"They have indicated that if a player is made available for the Olympics, he will stay suspended throughout the football tournament and not made available for club matches during this time".
The Olympic football tournament kicks off on the 6th of August ,with the final being played on the 23th of the same month.
It is likely now that Barcelona will be without Messi, who has publicly declared his desire to play in Beijing.
"I want to be at the Olympics, it has always been a dream of mine" Messi said.
Both Argentina and Brazil are heavily favoured to contest the final in the Olympic tournament.
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