“Mbappe Declines Paris Games Post Real Madrid Move”, Kylian Mbappe confirmed on Sunday he will not play for France’s Olympic team at the Paris Games as his new club Real Madrid are against the idea.
The statement refers to a 25-year-old player expressing his desire in March to participate in the Olympic Games hosted in his home country. However, FIFA does not include the Olympic soccer tournament on its official calendar, which means clubs are not required to release their players for this event.
This complicates the player’s ability to compete in the Olympics despite his interest and home country hosting the event.
Mbappe was not included in a 25-man preliminary squad for the Olympics earlier this month, though head coach Thierry Henry left the door open.
“My club’s position was very clear, so from that moment on, I think I (knew) I won’t be taking part in the Games,” Mbappe told reporters ahead of Monday’s Group D match against Austria at Euro 2024.
“That’s just the way it is, and I understand that too. I’m joining a new team in September, so it’s not the best way to start an adventure.
The men’s Olympic football competition is scheduled to commence on July 24, which is 10 days after the final of the European Championships. The tournament will span until August 9, providing a window of about two weeks for participating players. This timing clash with the European Championships finals complicates the availability of players whose clubs may not release them due to the scheduling conflict.
