UEFA reject Real request to register players

UEFA have rejected Real Madrid's latest efforts to register new signings Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Lassana Diarra for the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

In a statement issued on its website (www.uefa.com) yes-terday, European soccer's governing body said its disciplinary body had upheld UEFA's original decision stating that only one of the players could take part when the competition resumes in February.

UEFA added that any further appeal against the decision would be heard next week.

The Champions League's regulations state that clubs can register up to three new players for the knockout stage by Feb. 1 but only one who has already played this season in Europe with his previous club.

Netherlands striker Huntelaar and France midfielder Diarra have already played in the UEFA Cup this season for Ajax Amsterdam and Portsmouth respectively.

UEFA's administration had already formally told Real Madrid on Monday that there could be no exception to the regulations.

A UEFA spokesman said earlier yesterday that Real had however decided to seek a formal review of the case from the disciplinary body.

Real, who face Liverpool in the Champions League's last 16, have told the media that they are prepared to take the matter as far as the Court of Arbitration for Sport if UEFA do not accept their arguments.