European rules are not for Real

Uefa reiterate their stance that Real Madrid will not be able to register both Lassana Diarra and Klaas Jan Huntelaar to play in the Champions League knock-out stages.

Klaas Jan Huntelaar may not be able to play in Europe for Real.

Uefa have reiterated their stance that Real Madrid will not be able to register both Lassana Diarra and Klaas Jan Huntelaar to play in the Champions League knock-out stages. Regulations state that only one player who has already played in Europe this season can be registered. Holland striker Huntelaar has played in the Champions League with Ajax, while Diarra represented Portsmouth in the Uefa Cup prior to both players agreeing deals which will see them move to Madrid on Jan 1.

Madrid have revealed they intend to appeal, claiming they have a "different interpretation" of the rule, but Uefa insist any complaints will fall on deaf ears and the Spanish champions will be forced to choose between their new signings. "The regulation doesn't offer any other meaning than it has and Real Madrid can only register one," said director of communications William Gaillard. "Making an exception now with Real Madrid would mean that we would have to pay attention to the different needs of each club and the consequence would be a never-ending chain of favours."

The Marseille coach Eric Gerets admits that Henrik Larsson "fits the profile" of players they are looking to bring in during the January transfer window. Larsson, 37, will be a free agent today when his contract at Helsingborg officially comes to an end. The Swede has been linked with a move to OM and Gerets said: "I gave my managers the profile of players I would like to have to complete my squad. I have a priority for one player for one post. Larsson fits the profile we are looking for."

* With agencies