Blatter wrongfooted by club-versus-country row

The club-versus-country row that has blown up over the Olympic men's soccer tournament had taken FIFA by surprise, the president of the sport's ruling body admitted yesterday.

Sepp Blatter, who was speaking at a media conference in Beijing, said FIFA had thought issues with the powerful European clubs releasing players for the tournament had been long settled.

Clubs are obliged by FIFA to release under-23 players for the tournament if selected.

"We are in a state of good relations with the clubs and I'm a little bit surprised that the clubs are taking such a strong stance, not only against FIFA but also against the players," said Blatter.

"I think the players deserve a little bit of respect when they are asked by their national teams to play."

Barcelona and Argentina have been involved in a tug-of-war over forward Lionel Messi, with the Spanish club wanting the 21-year-old to take part in a Champions League preliminary tie and the South Americans picking him for the Olympics.

Barcelona have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the FIFA ruling.

Messi, who arrived in Shanghai on Friday, is one of the most illustrious athletes in the entire Games.

German clubs Werder Bremen and Schalke 04 have also appealed after the same rule allowed Diego and Rafinha respectively to join up with Brazil.

CAS are due to make their decision not later than tomorrow and Blatter said that even if the ruling went against FIFA, he hoped the three clubs would allow their players to stay in China.

"The accreditation process has already been completed and they cannot be replaced," he said. "The three players are here, they are training, so, please, let them play.

"The Olympic Games is something which enhances a player's career.

"(Former Germany striker) Juergen Klinsmann said that the best thing which ever happened to him in football was winning bronze at the 1988 Olympics."

"The Olympic Games started in 1896 and I think the Olympic spirit should be maintained. I'm sure they (the clubs) can afford to be without one player," added Blatter.

"Perhaps, when they come back from the Olympics, they will be new players and a more valuable asset to their clubs."

Blatter said he thought the wrangle had been settled following a meeting between FIFA and the clubs in January.

The G14 group, representing the top European clubs, disbanded after FIFA and European soccer's governing body UEFA agreed to compensate clubs whose players take part in the World Cup and European Championships.

European clubs, who have bought up nearly all the top players from Africa and Latin America, have often complained about having to release them for international duty with numerous clashes between clubs and national federations in the past.