The summer of 2024 is going to be a special one for football fans across the globe. While everyone is excited about the European Championship in Germany, the Summer Olympics will be held in Paris this year.
To that end, Real Madrid have already made headlines recently by reportedly refusing to allow Kylian Mbappe to participate in the Olympics this summer.
In fact, Real Madrid have not granted other French players the permission to play either, including Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ferland Mendy.
All of these players are eligible to participate in the Olympics, but it appears Real Madrid have no desire to risk their fitness.
Didier Deschamps on Real Madrid’s decision
In a recent media interaction, Didier Deschamps opened up about Real Madrid’s decision not to allow its French players to participate in the Olympics.
Unsurprisingly, the French national team coach offered a witty remark, notably pointing out Florentino Perez.
“You can ask Thierry. It’s a bit old-fashioned decision. The one who decides is the businessman (Florentino Perez). As long as the Olympics are not officially part of FIFA, they can do that,” Deschamps said (h/t AS).
Deschamps, who is known for his pragmatism as a coach, is not wrong to point out that the Olympics is not a FIFA-recognised tournament and thus holds very little value.
Thierry Henry on Real Madrid stance
Even France’s U21 coach Thierry Henry agreed with Deschamps’ comments, stating (h/t RMC Sport), “It’s always been the case. I knew how difficult it was going to be. I suspected it. It’s completely normal, especially clubs abroad.”
“It’s the Olympics here, in France, the French clubs will be there I think to help. But for the foreign clubs, I suspected it.
“We will see what we can do, the decision will remain that of the clubs, since these are not FIFA dates. We will try to discuss, but it is not easy.”
The Frenchman added that he is going to try and convince the clubs to release their players, stating, “We’re going to try to talk, see what we can do. There are quite a few branches on the tree. We have to poll everyone. We’re going to see if we can receive them.”
On the possibility of Mbappe missing the Olympics, he added: “We’re going to do what needs to be done at club level. We know he’s going to leave (PSG). We’re trying to put together the best team. Everyone wants to come but it’s difficult.”
Real Madrid’s decision, meanwhile, is quite logical as well, knowing at least three of these four Frenchmen are sure to participate for France in the European Championship.
Given the fitness risks involved, very few can Los Blancos‘ decision.
Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
