Real files appeal over Champions League players

International sports top court said on Wednesday that Spanish giants Real Madrid has filed an appeal against UEFA’s decision to reject new signings Lassana Diarra and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s participation at the Champions League.

“Real Madrid requests that the UEFA decision be annulled and that UEFA be ordered to register Huntelaar and Diarra” for the remaining Champions League matches, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said a statement.

Real Madrid is aiming to get them cleared in time for the Champions League tie against Liverpool on Febuary 25.

UEFA turned down Real’s appeal for the two players to be added to the list last week.

While clubs have the right to add a further three players to their Champions League roster for the knockout stages, only one can be a team member who has already played in another European competition the same season.

Both Diarra and Huntelaar have already appeared in this season’s UEFA Cup for Portsmouth and Ajax respectively.

Real Madrid play English giants Liverpool in their last 16 match with the first leg on February 25 and the second leg on March 10.