11:14am Tuesday 29th May 2007
By Staff Sports Reporter
FIFA have warned Los Angeles Galaxy they will not be able to prevent David Beckham playing in England friendlies.
Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas only wants to release the midfielder for competitive internationals, but FIFA insist the club will have no choice if Beckham continues to be picked by England manager Steve McClaren.
A FIFA spokesman said: "The same rules apply for everybody - for all national associations, for any club, for any player.
"Players must be released for friendly or competitive games if they are on the international calendar and the required notice is given.
"Under the regulations, all players are equal."
Galaxy have sold thousands of season tickets on the back of Beckham's arrival but with England matches coming up against Israel, Russia twice and Estonia - with the possibilities of friendlies in between - he would be needed on this side of the Atlantic.
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