Deschamps: Madrid Won't Release French Players for Paris 2024 Olympics
The French national team coach, Didier Deschamps, confirmed that Real Madrid has written to the French Football Federation (FFF) to inform them that they will not release their players for the Paris Games.
"I knew some time ago that they had sent that email. It's a decision that belongs to the club, and if they say no, it's no," said the coach.
This decision closes the doors of the Olympic team to players who had expressed their desire to compete in the games, such as midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, but it could also affect Kylian Mbappé if he ultimately signs with Madrid.
The 25-year-old forward had expressed his desire to play in the Games in his hometown, although in his recent statements on the matter, he has been less decisive about it.
Mbappé informed PSG a few weeks ago that he will not continue at the French club when his contract expires on June 30, and all indications are that he will sign for Real Madrid.
The Olympic coach, Thierry Henry, echoed Deschamps' sentiments, stating that in Mbappé's case, they face the additional difficulty of not knowing where the player will be next season.
"We will try to do what is necessary at the club level. We know he is leaving (PSG), but we don't know where," said the coach, who lamented relying on the clubs in this case as the Olympics are not a FIFA date and therefore they are not obliged to release players to national teams.
Henry, who will be able to count on three players over the age of 23, stated that they will try to meet with all the clubs, particularly with Real Madrid, which has vetoed the release of its players for the Games.
"I knew that many clubs would not lend us players, especially foreign clubs, as the French ones will help us, but the foreign ones reject it. I saw the email (from Real Madrid) and I expected it. But I don't accept the first 'no,' let's see what we can do," he said.
Henry stated that "all the players want to go to the Games," but lamented that "it will be difficult."
"We will try to talk to the club and see what we can do," he said.
