World football's governing body FIFA says the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to allow the return of a handful of players to their clubs was dramatic and could kill off the Olympic football tournament.
FIFA chief Sepp Blatter says he gulped when he heard the decision and fears that clubs that have released players to compete in the Games, including New Zealand's Ryan Nelsen, may now withdraw them.
The Court of Arbitration upheld an appeal from the clubs after FIFA said they were obliged to release eligible players for the tournament.
Blatter says if clubs force their players home the Olympic football tournament may collapse.
