Mali release Freddi Kanoute and Mahamadou Diarra

The duo were in Mali preparing for Sunday's Nations Cup qualifier against Sierra Leone but are now returning to Spain to help their clubs in the final matches of the season.

Football governing body Fifa ruled on Thursday that the clubs have priority as the Spanish league fixtures were made before the Nations Cup matches were scheduled.

Fifa spokesman, Andreas Herren, said: "Fifa has sent a fax to the Malian Football Association today confirming that Kanoute and Diarra should be allowed to play for their respective Spanish clubs this weekend.

"The request for this weekend's Cup of Nations fixtures were submitted by Confederation of African Football to Fifa after the fixtures for the Spanish championship were already in place.

"According to Fifa rules this means the players are not subject to a 'compulsory release' to play for their country.

"The Malian Football Association have been asked to comply with Fifa rules by making the players available for their domestic matches."

Diarra's Real Madrid are top of the table in Spain and will win the title if they beat Real Mallorca on Sunday.

Kanoute's Sevilla, who are in third place, can still win the title too if they beat Villareal and both Barcelona and Real Madrid lose their games this weekend.