FIFA has made it clear that clubs have the authority not to release their players for the 2016 Olympic Games.
This development will not excite Nigeria’s U-23 coach, Samson Siasia, who has seen some players on his provisional 35-man list barred by their European clubs.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has also tried to intervene in the situation, but FIFA has now confirmed that they are at the club’s mercy.
“The men’s Olympic Football Tournament is not included in the men’s international match calendar 2014-2018, which applies to all FIFA competitions with age restrictions, and thus clubs are not under any obligation to release players for the men’s Olympic Football Tournament,” a FIFA spokesperson said.
“However, FIFA is asking for support from the clubs to allow players who are called up by their national teams to be given the chance to be part of the Olympic experience.”
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