CAS rules in favour of Barcelona in Messi case

Barcelona have won the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) appeal to prevent Argentina's Lionel Messi (picture) from playing in the Olympic football tournament.

CAS ruled that Messi, 21, as well as Werder Bremen's Diego and Rafinha of Schalke, both Brazilians, can be impeded from playing in the Games.

The clubs claimed that the Olympics were not part of the international calendar.

Messi is in Beijing with the squad and coach Sergio Batista said yesterday he will play in today's opening game.

"The player is here and will remain with the team. He will start Thursday's game (against Ivory Coast in Shanghai) from the beginning and I'm sure he can be with us for the rest of the competition," said Batista, just hours after the ruling was announced.

FIFA, who had ruled that clubs must release players aged 23 or under if a nation requests them, said it was "surprised and disappointed" by CAS's decision and appealed to the clubs to let the players take part.

CAS ruled that FIFA's position was based on custom rather than law, meaning clubs could not be forced to release their players.

The court ruled 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 statement added: "CAS calls upon the goodwill and the 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."

In response to the CAS decision, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said: "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.

Barca want Messi for the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie on August 12.

Meanwhile, Werder Bremen and Schalke 04 yesterday said that they will let Brazilian players Diego and Rafinha stay in Beijing despite the CAS ruling in their favour.