Messi hailed by Chinese, awaits CAS verdict

Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho have been given rapturous receptions on their arrival in China for the Olympic soccer tournament but a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is threatening to take some gloss off the contest.

Argentina forward Messi, who is set to become one of the highest-profile figures ever to have graced the competition, could be forced out of the Games if CAS rules in favour of his club Barcelona, who have appealed against a FIFA decision ordering them to release him.

FIFA, soccer's governing body, last week ruled that clubs must release players aged under 23 who are selected for the Games. CAS is expected to give its verdict on or before Wednesday.

Messi's absence would be a huge disappointment to the public in Shanghai, where defending champions Argentina play their first two games, and Beijing, where they complete their programme in Group A which also features Serbia, Australia and Ivory Coast.

Messi's arrival in Shanghai on Friday attracted the attention of dozens of onlookers and autograph hunters.

Ronaldinho, who is taking part as one of the three overage players allowed per team, went to China with the blessing of his new club Milan and his arrival in Shenyang, where Brazil face Belgium in their opening game on Thursday, caused an even bigger stir.

"Ronaldinho was surrounded by a multitude asking for autographs, shouting his name and taking photographs," said the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on its website (www.cbf.com.br).

"There were so many people that the players had trouble reaching their bus. The problem was that the police and security officials temporarily abandoned their jobs and joined in the autograph hunting."

Although Ronaldinho's presence is assured, two members of the Brazilian squad - full-back Rafinha and midfielder Diego - are also embroiled in a club-versus-country row involving their respective clubs Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen.

The German clubs have also appealed to CAS over the order to release the pair and their cases will be judged together with Barcelona's.

However, it is not clear if the two players will return to Germany as they have already defied orders from their clubs in joining up with the Brazil squad.

The attitude of the two Brazilian players has destroyed the notion that Olympic soccer is not taken seriously.