World soccer's governing body FIFA has reminded clubs that they must release any players aged under 23 who are called up by their countries for next month's Olympic Games in Beijing. “The release of players younger than 23 has always been mandatory for all clubs,” FIFA said in a statement on Thursday. “For Beijing 2008 the same principle shall apply.” A FIFA spokesman said that the clarification had been sent out after several European clubs questioned the need to release players at a time when their own domestic league seasons will be getting underway. Under rules agreed between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA, the Olympic football competition is primarily an under-23 event although teams are also allowed to select up to three older players. Clubs are not obliged to release the overage players but FIFA president Sepp Blatter, an IOC member, has repeatedly urged them to do so out of respect “for the Olympic spirit.” Brazil, who has never won the Olympic title, named an impressive squad for the Games on Tuesday including Barcelona forward Ronaldinho and Real Madrid striker Robinho as two of their overage selections. Barcelona has already said they will not release Ronaldinho despite having told the player that he no longer features in their plans for next season. New Barca vote Barcelona president Joan Laporta said he will leave it up to the general assembly of club delegates to decide on his future in the post, after the resignation of eight of his 17 board directors on Thursday. Laporta has been under pressure from his own board and local media to step down after losing a confidence vote among club members on Sunday, when those critical of his management won 60.6 percent of the almost 40,000 votes cast. The motion just failed to achieve the two thirds necessary to force a new election and afterward Laporta said he would continue and complete his mandate which runs until 2010. “I consider it necessary to continue at such a crucial moment of the season to maintain the stability needed to construct the teams for next year,” Laporta told a news conference. “But I recognize that although we overcame the motion against us on Sunday, we did not get a favorable vote. “I have decided, with the board, to put my position at the disposal of the general assembly who are the supreme governing body of the club.” The approximately 3,000 club delegates, who represent the members, are expected to meet in September, Spanish media reported. The resignation of eight directors at the first official board meeting since Sunday came as another blow to Laporta's administration.
