Germany's Olympic Chief Urges Clubs to Release Soccer Stars
July 20, 2008
"I hope that reason will prevail and that we won't ruin the Olympic dream of any young player," said Bach, who is also vice-president of the International Olympic Committee.
"It would be in everyone's interest and preferable than the intervention of sporting authorities."
Several German clubs, including Werder Bremen, Schalke 04 and Hertha Berlin, are refusing to free their players for the Olympics because the Bundesliga season gets underway during the Games.
Werder Bremen, who are refusing to free Brazilian Diego, have been assured of the backing of the German soccer federation (DFB).
Bach stressed that FIFA had the right to take action against clubs or to suspend players who have been selected but not freed by their club during the Games.
If Diego, 23, has accepted Werder Bremen's decision, compatriot Rafinha, 22, has threatened not to return to training with his club Schalke 04.