Madrid win Robinho tug of war

NEWS: Robinho will play in Real Madrid’s crucial final league match on Sunday after Brazil agreed to release the striker.

The 23-year-old (pictured above) can play for his club against Mallorca, when Real can win La Liga, as long as he reports for training in Brazil a day later.

Robinho’s club and country have conducted a very public tug of war for his services.

There were warnings from the Brazil camp that Madrid could be docked three points if he played without their permission. But the Spanish Press later reported that FIFA had ruled that Robinho should play for his club.

However, Real Madrid sent a fax to the Brazil Football Confederation on Friday asking for his release — and admitting that the national team had the final say.

Under FIFA rules, players must be released by the clubs 14 days before a major international tournament. The Copa America starts on June 26.

The CBF have granted the request, saying: “In view of Real Madrid’s recognition that the player legally could not be allowed to play Sunday, and the promise of the Spanish club’s directory that such an event won’t happen again, the CBF released Robinho.”

Sevilla full-back Dani Alves (right), whose team could also still win the league, will not play on Sunday but has been released by Brazil to play in the Spanish Cup final on June 23.

Meanwhile, Julio Baptista has defended Kaka and Ronaldinho for wanting to rest during the Copa America.

According to the Press Assoociation, Baptista, who was called up to replace Ze Roberto in Dunga’s squad, said: “People don’t understand these things. We play a lot of games during the year.

“Generally, the player finishes his season with the club and quickly goes to the national squad. So he doesn’t have time to rest and finishes exhausted.”