Macron’s announcement coincides with a report indicating that Real Madrid and several other clubs may not allow their players to compete in the Paris summer Olympics.
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged European clubs to release their players for the Paris Olympics men’s football tournament this summer, with a specific focus on Real Madrid, given rumors of France star Kylian Mbappé’s potential move to the club after his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires in June.
“I think that European clubs need to play the game so that we can put on a great show,” Macron told RMC Sport.
Asked if that was directed at Real Madrid, Macron added:
“Exactly. When I said European clubs that is what I meant. The players need to think about it when they consider their preparations and training sessions, because we have the Euros — I hope that we will be playing on July 14 [the date of the Euros final].
“I haven’t spoken with him [Mbappé] but I hope that his club in particular lets him.”
Unlike FIFA’s international windows, the men’s Olympic tournament isn’t mandatory for clubs to release players.
While it’s an under-23 competition, each squad can include three senior players. However, the timing overlaps with the men’s European Championship in June and July, complicating matters.
Mbappé expressed his desire to participate in the Olympics during a press conference before France’s game against Germany in March, though he noted it wasn’t solely his decision.
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Reports indicate that Madrid won’t allow any of their squad members to compete in both the Olympics and Euro 2024. Consequently, players like Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni, both fellow France internationals, face a dilemma.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann has voiced his determination to feature in the Games, stating he’ll “do everything” to be part of it.
The men’s Olympic tournament is scheduled to kick off on July 24th, adding urgency to resolve the conflict between club commitments and national team aspirations.
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