French President Emmanuel Macron has urged European clubs to release their players for the Paris Olympics men’s football tournament this summer.
He particularly emphasised the importance of Real Madrid’s cooperation, given that France star Kylian Mbappé is expected to join the Spanish giants in June after his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires.
Unlike FIFA’s international windows, the men’s Olympic tournament is not mandated for player release by clubs. Additionally, as an under-23 competition, it allows for only three senior players in each squad.
The situation is further complicated by the scheduling overlap with the men’s European Championship, which concludes just weeks before the Olympic football tournament begins.
“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.”