Liverpool have turned their attention to a feud emerging between the Bundesliga and Fifa regarding their guidelines on releasing well known players for next month's Olympic Games.
The Bundesliga yesterday made it clear that they were prepared to test Fifa's resolve on the topic after a dispute over German side, Werder Bremen's midfielder Diego broke out, threatening to damage the 'goodwill' pact which would give famous players the opportunity to play in Beijing.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will start the new season without the services of Javier Mascherano as the Argentine will travel to Beijing. Liverpool will also be without Lucas Leiva and Ryan Babel playing for Brazil and the Netherlands, respectively.
Mascherano travels to the Olympics as one of Argentina's three players aged over 23 - he is there on the recommendation of Fifa who has encouraged all clubs to show goodwill towards the Olympic Games - there is no rule in place obligating Liverpool to release Mascherano.
Only players such as Babel and Leiza - both under 23 - can be compelled to join their national sides. With this rule in mind, Bremen have blocked Diego's request to compete in Beijing. On hearing of his club's decision, Diego is reported to have walked out of the training ground, and, without permission has flown to Paris to join the Brazil squad.
Bremen's sporting director has said that the matter will go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Should Diego be prevented from playing in Beijing, he has said he will abide by any decision taken by the CAS.
Brazilian players are said to be under more pressure than most to join up with their national sides as their head coach Dunga is under such scrutiny that poor results in China could see him sacked.
The football event in Beijing begins on August 6.
The Bundesliga yesterday made it clear that they were prepared to test Fifa's resolve on the topic after a dispute over German side, Werder Bremen's midfielder Diego broke out, threatening to damage the 'goodwill' pact which would give famous players the opportunity to play in Beijing.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will start the new season without the services of Javier Mascherano as the Argentine will travel to Beijing. Liverpool will also be without Lucas Leiva and Ryan Babel playing for Brazil and the Netherlands, respectively.
Mascherano travels to the Olympics as one of Argentina's three players aged over 23 - he is there on the recommendation of Fifa who has encouraged all clubs to show goodwill towards the Olympic Games - there is no rule in place obligating Liverpool to release Mascherano.
Only players such as Babel and Leiza - both under 23 - can be compelled to join their national sides. With this rule in mind, Bremen have blocked Diego's request to compete in Beijing. On hearing of his club's decision, Diego is reported to have walked out of the training ground, and, without permission has flown to Paris to join the Brazil squad.
Bremen's sporting director has said that the matter will go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Should Diego be prevented from playing in Beijing, he has said he will abide by any decision taken by the CAS.
Brazilian players are said to be under more pressure than most to join up with their national sides as their head coach Dunga is under such scrutiny that poor results in China could see him sacked.
The football event in Beijing begins on August 6.
No comments:
Post a Comment