Trio to remain in Beijing

Barcelona, Werder Bremnen and Schalke took their case to the Court of Arberation for Sport (CAS) after their players were named in various Olympic squads. The CAS ruled that the Olympics are not part of the FIFA calendar and clubs are under no obligation to release their players for the tournament.

The decision by the CAS applies to all players so Liverpool are now legally entitled to recall Mascherano, Lucas and Babel from Beijing. However, the trio have all stated their desire to play in the Olympics so the Reds will allow them to compete.