Русская версияBlatter, who is also a member of the International Olympic
Committee, responded angrily to the previous day's ruling from the
Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that upheld appeals from
Barcelona and German clubs Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen.
"It's really sad to see such a decision was handed down, putting in
danger the entire soccer tournament," said Blatter.
"We could do
beach soccer or a five-a-side tournament. That would be very sad
and the world would not understand it."
Like Blatter, Rogge appealed to the clubs in questions to allow the
players to stay in Beijing for the tournament which started on
Thursday.
"I plea along with Blatter to leave the players in China and let
them live their dream," Rogge told a news conference. "Soccer is
very important. We are keen to have the best possible players at
the tournament," the IOC boss said.
Complainant clubs to allow stars to stay
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Argentina's Messi, left, has not been called back by Barca
Schalke and Bremen have signaled that their Brazilians Rafinha and
Diego, respectively, will be allowed to stay in Beijing. Barcelona
appear to be acting similarly with their Argentina star Lionel
Messi.
However, both Bundesliga clubs demanded the Brazilian soccer
federation quickly "create the conditions" for the players'
involvement -- for example, by providing evidence of insurance
cover in case they are injured. "We are pleased that CAS has
confirmed our legal interpretation," Schalke manager Andreas
Mueller said. "It is laid down quite clearly in the FIFA Statutes.
"Our position would have been different if the legal position had
been clarified earlier," Mueller added. "I believe the matter was
deliberately delayed until just before the Olympics to put the
clubs in an awkward position."
However, the CAS decision was a huge embarrassment for FIFA and
confirmed the view of the clubs that they don't have to release
players to the under-23 Olympic event, with each team allowed only
three older players.
The CAS judges dismissed FIFA's claim that there was an obligation
to release players based on an agreement between FIFA and the
clubs. The CAS also said that the Olympic tournament is not on
FIFA's match calendar.
"We respect CAS but it doesn't make things easier," said Rogge.
A question of profit and responsibility
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Schalke and Barcelona met in last season's Champions League
Barcelona and Schalke play Champions League qualifiers during the
Olympics and they could lose millions of euros if they don't make
the group stage. Player insurance is also an important issue if
players get injured at the Olympics.
Rogge said that FIFA and the IOC must talk swiftly after the
Beijing Games to avoid a similar situation in 2012 in London.
Rogge also said that it was up to FIFA to deliver the solution.
"If FIFA puts the Olympics on the calendar the issue is resolved,"
Rogge said.
(Deutsche Welle)
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