The Olympics Effect on La Liga

The Olympics have started and will continue until the end of August, assuming that the particular national team advances all the way to the final games. The recent complaints by the big teams and in light of the recent decision by CAS in favor of the clubs, I thought I would take a look at the Olympics and the affect on La Liga.

Here's the list of players:

SERBIA

Midfielder: Milan Smiljanic (21) (Espanyol, Spain)

ARGENTINA

Goalkeeper: Oscar Ustari (Getafe)

Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta (Espanyol), Ezequiel Garay (Real Madrid, on loan to Racing Santander), Federico Fazio (Sevilla)

Midfielders: Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Ever Banega (Valencia),

Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona) (OR Marco Ruben, Villareal), Lautaro Acosta (Sevilla).

NETHERLANDS

Midfielder: Hedwiges Maduro (Valencia), Royston Drenthe (Real Madrid)

NIGERIA

Forward: Ikechukwu Uche (Getafe)

UNITED STATES

Forward: Jozy Altidore (Villarreal)

BELGIUM

Striker: Tom De Mul (22) (Sevilla, Spain)

BRAZIL

Goalkeepers: Diego Alves (23) (Almeira, Spain)

Defenders: Marcelo (20) (Real Madrid, Spain)

Strikers: Rafael Sobis (23) (Real Betis, Spain)

ITALY

Strikers: Giuseppe Rossi (21) (Villareal, Spain)
The latest rulings have probably ruined future Olympics, friendlies and national team tournaments. Especially in regards to European big teams. But if we look at the statistics. Here is the impact on a team by team basis, which in my opinion is not insurmountable.

Real Madrid, Sevilla, and Villarreal - each have allowed 3 players. In fact, should Madrid decide to call back Ezekiel Garay from Racing Santander, Real Madrid will lead with 4 players released.

Espanyol, Getafe, and Valencia - each have allowed 2 players to play at the Olympics.

Almeria, Atletico Madrid, Barçelona, Racing Santander, and Real Betis each have released 1 player to the Olympic games.

What these statistics demonstrate to me, is that the majority of the richer or top teams have been quite generous in releasing players to the Olympics and have not brought matters to the Spanish press. Several smaller teams have been extremely understanding IE Getafe and Espanyol, and have taken a cosmopolitan attitude toward player and national team commitment. This is a global world and it is a shame that some teams are more concerned with money, insurance and club results, rather than a once in a lifetime opportunity for their players.