Real Madrid have officially banned their players from playing in the 2024 Olympics which will take place in Paris, France this summer.
The Spanish powerhouse have made the decision not to allow their footballers to play in the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games, which will take place in France after the Euros 2024 and Copa America.
France is getting ready to host the Olympics this summer, but the 14-time UEFA Champions League winner are said to have denied permission to release their players, which will serve as a serious setback to their chances of winning a gold medal at home in football.
The Olympic Games are not a FIFA tournament and that means that clubs have the final decision on whether or not their players can participate.
It’s important to know that it was going to be a very busy summer for those players who will also participate in the 2024 UEFA Euro.
Two International tournaments in the same offseason was probably too much for Real Madrid and that’s why the Spanish club eventually decided to keep their players out of the Olympic Games.
Given the number of players from the La Liga leaders that coach Thierry Henry could have wanted to have in his squad, that is a serious blow to the former Arsenal star. The players include defender Ferland Mendy and midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.
It is reported that the club’s intention not to let the players participate in the upcoming Olympic Games is to allow the players to have a rest period and also avoid the risk of injuries.
However, there are still rumors that France captain Kylian Mbappe may join Real Madrid this summer, and he may be bound by the same rules which means France may be without numerous key players this summer for the Olympics.
Meanwhile, France head coach Didier Deschamps spoke to reporters about Real Madrid’s refusal to allow their players to play in the Olympic Games, which he described as “outdated”.
He said; “Real Madrid’s stance on the Olympic Games is a bit outdated. But businesspeople are the ones who decide. If it’s not on an official FIFA date if they say no, the answer is no”.
The Olympic Games and the UEFA European Championship taking place at the same time adds another layer of complexity. Just ten days before the Olympic football competition gets underway, on July 14, the Euros will come to a close with the tournament held in Germany.
Speaking on Real Madrid’s refusal to let their players go for the Olympics, Thierry Henry (French U21 Manager) said; “I knew it was going to be difficult. I saw the rejection e-mail, I knew it was coming, I don’t stop at no, we’ll see what we can do, but it’s getting difficult.”
