PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN will not allow star forwards Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to represent their countries at the Olympics this summer, according to reports.
Brazil and France respectively are desperate to have their poster boys available in Japan, but the Ligue 1 giants are playing hardball.
Neymar and Kylian Mbappe are expected to miss out on this summer’s Olympic gamesCredit: AFP or licensors
As the Olympics do not fall under Fifa’s jurisdiction, PSG are under no obligation to allow their players to participate.
Mbappe, however, spoke openly last summer of his desire to play for France in Tokyo.
He said: “The people here are very welcoming, very friendly, I really want to come back as soon as possible.
“Why not next year for the Olympic Games? I always said it was a dream. Then again, it’s not only up to me.”
But according to L’Equipe, PSG have written to the French Football Federation [FFF], warning them that Mbappe will not be made available – despite having been included in the preliminary 80-man squad.
FFF president Noel Le Graet had been hopeful of gaining PSG’s consent.
But I don’t think they would object. In terms of image, it would be complicated for them.
FFF president Noel Le Graet
He told L’Equipe last month: “He [Mbappe] wants to. Our coach [Sylvain Ripoll] is very keen. I would rather have him at the Olympics, especially for the image.
“He’s a boy who’s already at the top of his game. But I put myself in the place of PSG.
“They may not really want him to do all the competitions. But I don’t think they would object. In terms of image, it would be complicated for them. And for us, complicated not to select him.”
The Brazilian Football Federation are likely to be similarly disappointed, having written to PSG asking for permission to select their talismanic £200million forward.
President of the Confederacao Brasileira de Futebol, Rogerio Caboclo, will enter talks with PSG’s Qatari owners in an attempt to thrash out a deal.
But an agreement is unlikely, given that Neymar will likely also participate in the Copa America in June – before the Olympics kick off in late July.
Neymar was one of the Selecao’s three overage players in 2016, when they won gold at home in Brazil.
Neymar was part of the Brazil side that won gold at home in 2016Credit: Getty Images – Getty
PSG, however, are expected to reject their request just as they have with Mbappe.
It is believed that Le Graet, described as “combative in nature”, will contest PSG’s decision and try everything to have Mbappe involved.
And Brazil are likely to follow suit, with Neymar their shining light.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
