Olimpia of Asuncion have said they have no intention of giving way to FIFA threats over their World Club Cup duel with Real Madrid.

The South American champions are scheduled to face the champions of Europe on Decenmber 3 in Tokyo but the annual challenge has been thrown into doubt by a transfer squabble.

FIFA tried to prevent Olimpia transferring several players without having obtained formal international clearance and the club then launched a legal complaint in the Swiss courts.

On Tuesday this week FIFA president Sepp Blatter gave Olimpia three days to withdraw the court action or be expelled the World Club Cup. Olimpia president Osvaldo Dominguez said:

“I would prefer to withdraw from the World Club Cup than to withdraw our complaint against FIFA.”

In that case the South American confederation would nominate Libertadores runners-up Sao Caetano of Brazil to take Olimpia’s place.
By Keir Radnedge