French president Emmanuel Macron remains hopeful that Kylian Mbappe will be allowed to play at the 2024 Olympics.
♦ Macron wants Mbappe to light up Paris Games
♦ Real Madrid plan to stop their players from participating
♦ Mbappe expected to join club on free transfer
WHAT HAPPENED?
Currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe has reportedly indicated that he intends to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, with Real Madrid widely speculated to be his next destination. However, Madrid’s policy that they would not release players for the Olympics has raised concerns about Mbappe’s availability.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Olympic football tournament, restricted to Under-23 players with three overage players permitted per squad, does not coincide with FIFA international match dates. Therefore, clubs are not obligated to release their players for the competition. Hence, Madrid cannot be forced to release Mbappe for the Summer Games amid a gruelling summer which will also see Mbappe lead the French national team in the 2024 European Championship.
WHAT MACRON SAID
Despite these challenges, Macron remains hopeful of Mbappe’s participation and in an interview with RMC Sport, the president of France said: “We are going to do everything (to have a competitive team). I have confidence in the French and European clubs, if I may say so if you see what I mean. We have the Euro before, that’s the problem. I think the clubs have to play their part if we want to have a great show.”
When asked if he was talking about Real Madrid, he said with a wry smile: “Exactly, that’s what I meant.”
Macron added that he has not discussed this with Mbappe: “I have not yet spoken to him about that, but I hope that his club, in particular, allows it. And the other clubs too.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Mbappe has said he remains open to playing in the Paris Games but at the same time acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests with his club.
“It’s my employer who decides,” he had said. “It will be a pleasure to play in them, but if my employer doesn’t want to, I will support that decision. I don’t think it will take much time to think about it.”
WHAT NEXT?
The Olympic football tournament commences on July 24 and concludes on August 9. France finds itself grouped alongside the United States, New Zealand, and another yet-to-be-determined opponent. In the short term, Mbappe remains focused on leading PSG to a Champions League semi-final spot at the expense of Barcelona by overturning a 3-2 deficit from the first leg of their last eight tie when the two clubs renew hostilities on Tuesday evening in Spain.