Beijing Olympics: Barcelona and Argentina clash over Lionel Messi

Beijing Olympics: Barcelona and Argentina clash over Lionel Messi

Barcelona and Argentina appear to be on a collision course over Lionel Messi's participation in the Olympics. .


Barcelona are hoping to block Lionel Messi's participation in the Olympics Photo: PA

Barcelona had expected Messi, who is scheduled to play against the Ivory Coast tomorrow, to make his way back to Spain from Beijing after they won an appeal against his inclusion in Argentina's squad with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Barcelona, together with Werder Bremen and Schalke, appealed to CAS after arguing against Fifa's insistence that it was "mandatory" for all players aged 23 and under to be released for the tournament.

However, Argentina coach Sergio Batista has now Messi is determined to stay in Beijing to represent his country.

"He [Messi] will be on the start list for tomorrow from the beginning and I am sure he can be here with us for the rest of the competition," said Batista, in comments that seem likely to spark a major row with Barcelona.

Brazilian pair Rafinha and Diego have also been recalled by Schalke and Werder Bremen, though it is unclear whether they too will choose to stay in Beijing.

Barcelona, who are keen to have their brilliant forward available for their Champions League third qualifying round first-leg tie next week, seemed to have won a significant victory when CAS found Fifa's position was based on custom rather than law, meaning clubs could not be forced to release their players.

"The Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008 is not included in the Co-ordinated Match Calendar and there is no specific decision of the Fifa Executive Committee establishing the obligation for the clubs to release players under 23 for this tournament," read a CAS statement.

"The requirements to justify a legal obligation of clubs to release their players for the Football Tournament Beijing 2008 on the basis of customary law are not met."

The tournament in Beijing begins tomorrow, one day before the official opening ceremony of the Games.

The vast majority of players at the Olympics have travelled with their club's permission, with some of them such as Belgium's Vincent Kompany cutting deals to allow them to play.

"In view of Fifa's recommendation made to the clubs to release their players as well as of the Olympic spirit, the CAS call upon the good will and good sense of Fifa and the clubs to find a reasonable solution with regard to players who wish to represent their country in the Olympic Games," continued the CAS statement.

Fifa is yet to respond to the CAS ruling, but president Sepp Blatter had indicated the governing body would accept the court's decision. The format of the Olympic tournament is now expected to be reviewed before the 2012 Olympics in London.