UEFA stand firm against
Real
UEFA have rejected Real Madrid's latest efforts to
register new signings Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Lassana Diarra for
the knockout stages of the Champions League.
In a statement on Thursday, European soccer's governing body
said its disciplinary body had upheld UEFA's original decision
stating that only one of the players could take part when the
competition resumes in February.
UEFA added that any further appeal against the decision would be
heard next week.
The Champions League's regulations state that clubs can register
up to three new players for the knockout stage by February 1 but
only one who has already played this season in Europe with his
previous club.
Lassana Diarra: New signing expecting to play in
Europe
Netherlands striker Huntelaar and France midfielder Diarra have
already played in the UEFA Cup this season for Ajax Amsterdam and
Portsmouth respectively.
UEFA's administration had already formally told Real Madrid on
Monday that there could be no exception to the regulations.
A UEFA spokesman said earlier on Thursday that Real had however
decided to seek a formal review of the case from the disciplinary
body.
Real, who face Liverpool in the Champions League's last 16, have
told the media that they are prepared to take the matter as far as
the Court of Arbitration for Sport if UEFA do not accept their
arguments.
