UEFA Reject Madrid's Latest CL Appeal

When Real Madrid signed Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Lassana Diarra they surely could not have imagined that it would be this much trouble to get them in the Champions League, although perhaps that is part of the problem.

UEFA have rejected Real Madrid's latest argument to try and get both of their two new signings, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Lassana Diarra, registered for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The defending La Liga champions declared that did not make a mistake in thinking both could play in the European competition, despite the fact the rules state they could not - as both had already played in the UEFA Cup this season with their previous clubs, only one of them could be registered to play in Europe's premier club competition for the remainder of this season.

Now, Real Madrid have embarked on a war path to try and ensure that both of their new signings are eligible, but at the moment, it doesn't look like succeeding.

The latest news today is that UEFA have rejected another argument from the Spanish side, meaning their next move is to go the Court of Sports Arbitration (CAS).

Marca reports that los Blancos will have three working days to appeal the decision with CAS, but they must be wary of the time limit on the case, with registration closing on January 31.

All the resources for their appeal will need to presented and dealt with before the January 20, and at the moment, it looks unlikely they will be able to include both players.

--James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com