Teams must release U-23 players for Olympics: FIFA

Last Updated: Thursday, July 10, 2008 | 4:11 PM ET

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Diego must be released by German club Werder Bremen in order to play for Brazil at the Summer Olympics. (Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Soccer's world governing body gave the Olympic soccer tournament a boost on Thursday, stating that pro clubs must release players 23 years of age and under so that they can compete at the Beijing Games.

FIFA restated its rule obliging teams to release such players because of the importance of the Olympic Tournament for the entire sporting movement in general and football in particular.

"The release of players younger than 23 has always been mandatory for all clubs," FIFA said. "For Beijing 2008, the same principle shall apply."

FIFA's public clarification of the rule comes after German club Werder Bremen said earlier this week it would not release Brazilian midfielder Diego, 23, to play in this summer's Olympics Games in China.

Bremen argued Diego, a key player for the team, would miss pre-season training and two Bundesliga games if he were to play in the Olympics.

Another German club, Schalke, was trying to prevent 22-year-old defender Rafinha from playing for Brazil at the Beijing Games.

Each of the competing nations at this summer's Olympic soccer tournament can name three overage players to its roster, although teams are not obligated to release them.

Ronaldinho was chosen to play for Brazil, but his pro team, Spanish outfit FC Barcelona, can prevent him from playing because he is 28.

"The release of these (overage) players is not compulsory according to the FIFA regulations," the organization said.

"However, the FIFA executive committee, during its meeting March 14, made an appeal to the solidarity of the clubs in order to release these players."