FIFA has reiterated it’s stance Wednesday, demanding all players under the age of 23 (or 23 at the time of the Olympics) MUST be released from their club commitments.

“The single judge determined that the international match calendar is not of relevance in establishing whether clubs are obliged to release players,” FIFA said in its statement.

“In view of the longstanding and undisputed practice (since 1988, clubs have always accepted the release of Under-23 players for the competition), he deemed that recourse to customary law is justified.”

While the statement would seem to end the dispute, Bundesliga sides Werder Bremen / Shalke 04 and La Liga club Barcelona last week remained adamant that if FIFA ruled against them, they would take the case to the CAS (Court of Arbitration of Sport) as an appeal / last resort.

“I understand the position of the club because a lot is at stake… But they also have to understand that it is my dream to play for my national team at the Olympic Games,” Messi told the FC Barcelona website.

“From the beginning I’ve said that I want to play for my national team and I’ve never had problems until now…. If I get there and CAS says I have to come back then I will come back.

“For the moment I want to be with my national team and my team mates.”