SAO PAULO, May 6: The Brazilian football confederation admits Brazil may not be able to rely on Kaka to be available for the Beijing Olympics.

“It’s going to be very difficult,” CBF President Ricardo Teixeira said. “We are not in a position to demand his release.”

The AC Milan player has been saying he wants to help Brazil try to win their first Olympic football gold but he would need to be released by his Italian club.

Depending on Milan’s finish in the Italian league, it may need to play in next year’s Champions League qualifiers, which has conflicting dates with the Olympics. Milan are fourth in the standings, and the top four will qualify.

Even if released by Milan, the 26-year-old Kaka must be summoned by Brazil coach Dunga as one of three players over 23 years old allowed to supplement each squad.

He was young enough to play in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, but Brazil failed to qualify. Kaka was not released by Milan to play South America’s qualifying event for the 2004 Olympics.—AP