Clubs bid to block players from Olympics

Some of Europe's best young football players could be kept out of the 2012 London Olympics under a proposal by their clubs.

The European Club Association wants an agreement that players who go to the 2012 European Championships co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine won't be picked for the London Games kicking off one month later.

The group fears player burnout from too much international football and is seeking support from FIFA, UEFA and national teams.

Europe will have four teams in London: a British host team and three qualifiers from the eight-nation Under-21 Euros staged in Denmark in June. Spain is favored to advance.

The 16-nation Olympic tournament has an age limit of 23, with teams allowed to pick three overage players.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that FIFA president Sepp Blatter could face a challenge for his position in May from Asian football supremo Mohamed Bin Hammam.

The news emerged last night from the Korean tycoon Chung Mong-Joon, who lost his position as FIFA vice-president last month.

Chung revealed on his Twitter account that he lunched with Bin Hammam yesterday and that a presidential challenge may be on the cards. "It seems he will challenge the FIFA presidential election in June," Chung said.

Bin Hammam is in a position of power after securing his country Qatar as hosts of the 2022 World Cup and retaining his position as Asian confederation president unchallenged.

There has been no confirmation from Bin Hammam and there is a school of thought that he may keep his powder dry and stand in four years' time when Blatter may retire.