LIONEL MESSI, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe could all be in action this summer after Olympics chiefs said the Tokyo Games is still set to go ahead.
The IOC released a statement on Tuesday claiming there is “no need” to postpone the Games due to coronavirus – even though virtually every other sporting event in the world has been called off.
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Mbappe, Neymar and Messi could all be in action this summer with Olympics chiefs adamant the Tokyo Games will go ahead
One of those most severely affected is Euro 2020, which has been pushed back a year.
The Champions League and Europa League finals have also been postponed for a month.
Tokyo bosses are determined to plough on though, and a statement read: “The IOC remains fully committed to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, and with more than four months to go before the Games there is no need for any drastic decisions at this stage; and any speculation at this moment would be counter-productive.”
That means Messi, Neymar, Mbappe and a whole host of others could, in theory, play again when the men’s competition kicks off on July 23.
Messi and Aguero with their Olympic gold medalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
It seems unlikely, though, given that domestic leagues could then be back in action.
And, despite the authoritative tone of the IOC statement, intense scepticism remains about the Olympics taking place due to the outbreak.
Barcelona superstar Messi won gold with Argentina in Beijing 2008 and Neymar took top honours with Brazil in Rio in 2016.
Men’s Olympics football teams are made up of Under-23s players – with three over-age players allowed per team.
Argentina and Brazil have already qualified for Tokyo, along with the likes of France, Germany, Spain and Egypt.
Two more nations need to be decided to fill up the 16-team quota, with hosts Japan guaranteed a spot.
These will come from Central and North America region CONCACAF – but the qualifiers have been postponed due to coronavirus.
The final for the men’s tournament is set to be hosted at the International Stadium Yokohama on August 8.
The draw for the tournament was due to take place on April 20 but that will now also be put back, with the pandemic stopping world sport.
Champions League and Europa League finals postponed for a month because of coronavirus
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
