According to information of InsideWorldFootball (5.4.2012) FIFA decided that the participation in Olympic Games is compulsory for U23 players. According to FIFA this decisions is covered by existing rules that state “a duty to release players exists on the basis of a special decision by the FIFA Executive Committee”. ECA Vice-President Gandini/AC Milan commented that this decision came ‘completely out of the blue’. ECA President Rummenigge/FC Bayern attended a recent FIFA strategy meeting at which the under 23 issue never arose. In Football the Olympic Games are not part of the International Calendar ‘and therefore the participation has never been compulsary’, added Gandini. Obviously FIFA took the decision without discussing the issue with the stakeholders concerned. The ECA board will discuss the FIFA decision during a board meeting in Munich next week.