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The France star will not be able to join the Olympic team on home soil after being refused permission by his future club
In a surprising turn of events, French striker Olivier Giroud has been effectively barred from participating in the upcoming Olympics by his future club, Los Angeles FC (LAFC), significantly impacting France's Olympic preparations.
Agreement with LAFC
It has been reported that Giroud, currently with AC Milan, has reached a comprehensive agreement with LAFC. The 37-year-old is set to sign a contract for one and a half years with an option for an additional year, marking a significant move to Major League Soccer (MLS).
Giroud's impending move to LAFC will have significant repercussions for France's Olympic aspirations. The veteran forward was rumoured to play a key role in under-23s manager Thierry Henry's Olympic squad, likely as one of the three over-age players permitted in each squad.
Disappearance from Olympic Scene
However, Giroud's transfer to LAFC has effectively ruled him out of contention for the Summer Games scheduled in Paris from July 26th to August 11th.
Given the timing of his arrival at the American club, it is highly improbable that LAFC would release him for Olympic duty, especially considering their authority to veto such decisions.
Club Authority Over International Competitions
FIFA does not categorize the Olympics as an international competition, granting clubs the final say on whether to release their players for the tournament. This policy has presented challenges for France, with star players like Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann also facing uncertainties regarding their participation in the Olympics.
The news of Olivier Giroud's impending move to LAFC and subsequent exclusion from France's Olympic plans underscores the complex relationship between club commitments and international tournaments. As the Olympics draw nearer, France will need to adjust their squad selection and strategy accordingly, navigating the challenges posed by club priorities and player availability.
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