Real ready to battle UEFA at arbitration court – report

Real Madrid are ready to defy UEFA rules by ing their two new gs, Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Lassana Diarra, for the remainder of this season’s Champions League, it was reported here Thursday.

Reports said the defending Spanish champions would go as far as appealing the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if European football’s ruling body rejects their demand to use Huntelaar and Diarra in the competition.

Under UEFA rules, clubs can up to three new players for the knockout stages by February 1 but only one who has already played this season in Europe with his previous club.

French midfielder Diarra has already played for Portsmouth while Dutch striker Huntelaar has already played for Ajax this season in the UEFA Cup.

Earlier this week Real’s new coach Juande Ramos said he was unaware of the rule.

Real face Liverpool in the last 16 of the Champions League on February 25 and March 10.