FIFA: Galaxy must release Becks

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 told PA Sport: "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."

He added: "The only difference in competitive and friendly games is regarding the time-frames that players must be available before the games.

"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.

Lalas said: "I don't want to stand in the way of a player representing his country but we have to be prudent and understand they have to be the appropriate games.

"I would think they would have to be competitive matches.

"If it works out scheduling-wise, we would be happy to let him go.

"But he has a responsibility on and off the field to our organisation and to our support. I think he is excited about pursuing that responsibility."