FIFA: Whaddaya mean, the Olympics are an international event?

[MrCoffee]

FIFA ruled Wednesday that professional clubs must allow players 23 or under for the Beijing Olympics, clearing the way for Lionel Messi to play for Argentina despite opposition from FC Barcelona.

Slim Aloulou, a Tunisian judge on FIFA's player status committee, said the release of under 23 players was "mandatory for all clubs."

Apart from the 21-year-old Messi, the decision means that Schalke and Werder Bremen must release Rafinha and Diego, respectively, for Brazil.

The three clubs had challenged the FIFA rules, saying the Olympics were not included on soccer's international match calendar.

But FIFA said the calendar only reflects the schedule for A-teams - those which include players older than 23. The dates for the Beijing tournament are set by the International Olympic Committee, and not by FIFA, it added.
http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/8395114/Barcelona-must-release-Messi-for-Beijing

FIFA: Complete kneebiters or hopelessly misguided twits? You decide.

[nickgutierrez]

1. Total fuckups.

Surely, FIFA, you've heard of the Olympics, right? The thing that's happened every four years for longer than the World Cup?

[jakefrep]

2. FIFA can go fuck themselves

The pro leagues should take precedence over the meaningless Olympic tournament.