Inter's Forlan to miss Champions League group play

Milan, Italy – Inter Milan forward Diego Forlan will not be able to play in the Champions League group stage, because the Uruguay national team star played in the Europa League earlier this season for Atletico Madrid.

Forlan, 32, played against Norway's Stromsgodset in the third qualifying round of the Europa League, but did not play in the playoff round against Portugal's Guimaraes.

UEFA rules prohibit Forlan from playing in the group stage, but he could play in the knockout round if Inter advances to the last 16.

Forlan was signed for $7 million late in the transfer window to replace Samuel Eto'o, the Cameroon striker who left Inter to sign a record deal with Russian club Anzhi.

Inter Milan is in Group B of the Champions League with CSKA Moscow, Lille and Trabzonspor.