The Catalan side are reluctant to let the 21-year-old Argentine forward go but Messi is keen to play in Beijing.

Fifa ruled on Wednesday that clubs must release players aged 23 or under for the Olympics if a nation requests them.

Barcelona join German clubs Schalke and Werder Bremen in appealing to the CAS after losing key players to the Games.

"The CAS has registered an appeal from FC Barcelona against the decision made by the single judge of the Fifa players' status committee regarding the release of players for the Olympic Games," said a CAS statement.

"This appeal will be handled together with the appeals filed by FC Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen against the same Fifa decision.

"The CAS will deliver its final ruling on or before 6 August 2008."

The three clubs argue the case that Olympic matches are not part of the international football calendar.

However, Fifa said: "The judge determined that the international match calendar is not of relevance in establishing whether clubs are obliged to release players for the men's Olympic football tournament."

"Taking part in the Olympic Games is a unique opportunity for all athletes of any sporting discipline.

"It would not be justifiable to prevent any player younger than 23 from participating in such an event if his representative team had qualified."

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

But with the Olympic football tournament set to begin on 7 August they would have to make do without their star player.

Messi revealed he understood Barcelona's position but it was a dream for him to play in an Olympic team for Argentina.

He stated: "From the beginning I've said that I want to play for my national team and I've never had problems until now.

"If I get there and the CAS says I have to come back then I will come back.

"For the moment I want to be with my national team and my team-mates."

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said they would discuss with Messi what to do next.

"We understand that it will be very difficult to retain the player and for him to take part in our tour of the United States," he commented.

"The normal thing will be for him to now go to join Argentina but if the CAS makes a decision in our favour then he will have to come back."

Schalke - who also feature in the Champions League qualifiers - must release Brazil's Rafinha, while Werder Bremen must allow his national team-mate Diego to go to the Games.

AC Milan have already told Brazil that they will not allow Kaka to play in the Olympics, while AC Milan's new signing Ronaldinho and Manchester United's Anderson are both included in Brazil's 18-man Olympic squad.

Real Madrid have asked Brazil to release Robinho from Olympic duty because of a suspected groin injury.

The 24-year-old has more than 50 Brazil caps and is a reported target for Chelsea.

Real Madrid revealed their doctors had said Robinho's injury was discovered when he turned up for a medical examination and light training along with most of the club's squad.

Robinho revealed: "Unhappily, I can't go with Brazil to the Games but it is Real Madrid's decision and I respect it."

Comments

Add New

Write comment
Name:
Email:	We don't publish your mail. See privacy policy.
Title:
	Please input the anti-spam code that you can read in the image.