Discussion Thursday: Clubs versus Olympics

It has been going on for weeks and despite the Olympics starting next week, the story doesn’t seem to be over yet as clubs continue to try and find ways to keep their players from going to China.

The most famous case is that of FC Barcelona, who refuse to cooperate with the Argentinian Olympic team and want Messi to stay in Spain for the preparation of next season.

But more teams have been troubling the FIFA lately. Werder Bremen have been trying everything in their power to keep Diego at the club during the pre-season preparation, and Schalke 04 refuse to let go of another Brazilian, Rafinha.

Earlier this week, FIFA finally ruled that clubs have the obligation of allowing players to go to China. Barcelona seem to have accepted the decision, while Schalke and Bremen have announced to appeal.

Does the preparation of a new season justify the attitude shown by these and other clubs, or are the Olympics simply too important to have to worry about what club sides think?

For that matter, should clubs ever want to interfere with any national team; isn’t it much more important for a player to represent his nation?

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