French Football Federation (FFF) President Philippe Diard stated that he would, if necessary, apply pressure on Real Madrid to ensure Kylian Mbappé’s participation in the Olympics on home soil.
Diard commented, “I don’t consider Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid a foregone conclusion, there’s no need to invent stories.” However, when referring to the club with which negotiations might be needed, he repeatedly mentioned Real Madrid.
“Mbappé has expressed his desire to play with the team, and we know that Real Madrid has closed the door for many players to join their national teams. I respect their demands; it’s the only club that has directly told us their position,” he said.
The FFF chief made it clear that they wouldn’t give up easily on their star player: “Even with Real Madrid’s stance, I won’t give up anything. If there’s a change of heart before the Olympics, we’ll seize the opportunity. If necessary, we’ll talk to Florentino Pérez.”
During the Tokyo Olympics, 31 clubs refused to release their players, and a similar scenario could unfold at the Paris Olympics.