A day after the international sport tribunal (CAS) passed the verdict that there is no compulsion for Werder Bremen to release Diego for the Olympic Games, and the explanation that the Brazilian could remain with the team in Beijing under specific circumstances, FIFA have signalled their cooperation in with the implementation of the demands of the club. “Following the announcement of the verdict yesterday, we made contact with both the Brazilian Football Federation and FIFA to issue our requirements. Whilst we have still not heard from the Brazilian Football Federation, we have been sent some positive signals from FIFA,” commented general manager Klaus Allofs, who explained in detail the demands from the club: “The main issue from our point of view is that should Diego pick up an injury, Werder Bremen will be paid financial damages. There should be a sufficient insurance policy for the player.” The Werder general manager went on to say: “A fee for his release or the reimbursement of his salary, during the time that Diego is not available to Werder Bremen, is not at the top of our list of priorities.”

Additionally, Werder Bremen have been able to make contact with Diego in China through interpreter Roland Martinez and explained the willingness of the club to allow him to partake in the tournament in China despite the CAS verdict: “We have informed him of the situation and wished him all the success possible in the competition. We hope that he can avoid injury and maybe even scores a goal or two,” remarked Allofs, who emphasised that there is no tension between Diego and Werder: “We spoke about the situation rationally before his departure. There is no conflict between Diego and Werder Bremen. I am quite sure that he will pay us back sportingly for our willingness to meet him half-way.”