CAS OVERRULES BLATTER, FAVORS CLUBS

It's a love-hate situation. Love, because Blatter got a slap in the face. Hate, 'cause you also want to see the likes of Messi dazzle at the Olympics.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport, on August 6th, ruled in favor of Barcelona, Werder Bremen and Schalke 04, who were looking to block their players from participating in the Beijing Olympics. The three clubs wanted to prevent Messi, Diego and Rafinha respectively, from playing a role for their national teams in the global event which starts tomorrow.

Football has been an Olympic event since 1900 (except in 1932) but has witnessed a number of changes regarding rules and regulations, especially concerning the ages of players which field the sides of European and South American countries. In 1992, an agreement between FIFA and the IOC led to a new ruling that players of the men's football competition should be under 23 years of age, with only 3 players above the age limit allowed per team.

The upcoming Olympic games created some controversy between Blatter and football clubs, who didn't want to release their players for the Olympics.

Blatter had, on July 30, decreed that the release of U-23 players by their clubs for the Olympics was mandatory. In view of this ruling, Barcelona, Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen submitted appeals to the CAS, which were consequently upheld. CAS, concurred with the 3 teams, stating that there was 'no specific decision of the FIFA Executive Committee establishing the obligation for the clubs to release players under 23 for this tournament.'

A disappointed Blatter said in a statement that 'FIFA is surprised and disappointed by this decision, but we respect it. Nevertheless, I appeal to the clubs: Let your players take part in the Olympic Games. It would be an act of solidarity in perfect harmony with the Olympic spirit. It would be wonderful for the players, for the fans and for the game itself. '

For once it appears as if Blatter has left his fatheadedness behind. A player should be allowed to represent his national team, especially at an event such as the Olympics. Moreover, the stipulations regarding the age of players gives players very few chances to represent their country at the Olympics.

It's now up to the clubs to decide whether to call their players back, or let them compete for their country's pride. For once, and a one-time exemption only, it's not difficult to see that Blatter is right.