FIFA to clarify rules on Olympic call-ups
FIFA are poised to clarify their regulations to head off potential club-versus-country rows ahead of this summer’s Olympics.
The announcement of Dunga’s Brazil squad on Tuesday caused a stir in Germany, with Werder Bremen and Schalke seemingly unhappy at the inclusion of Diego, 23, and the 22-year-old Rafinha respectively.
The pair will miss all of pre-season training as well as the clubs’ first two Bundesliga matches if they make the trip to Beijing.
Clubs are not obligated to release players over the age of 23 – of which three are allowed per nation under Olympics rules – for the tournament.
However, FIFA principles state clubs should make available any player aged 23 or under who is called up to their country’s Olympic squad.
A FIFA statement released to PA Sport said: “The release of players younger than 23 for the Olympic Football Tournament since 1992 has always been accepted by all clubs. For Beijing 2008, the same principle shall apply.”
However, with clubs expressing displeasure at their players being called up this year, FIFA are to release another statement in the next 48 hours clarifying the regulations.
Diego will return to training with Bremen next Monday, at which point the club will discuss the matter with the Brazilian.
General manager Klaus Allofs told the Bild newspaper: “We will not be talking publicly about the issue. What we have to say will be said when we have Diego sitting opposite us.”
