Paris-Saint Germain are blocking any hopes the French Football Federation (FFF)had of allowing Kylian Mbappe to play in the Olympics.
Mbappe was one of 80 players selected in a preliminary squad announced for this summers event in Tokyo, Japan, but will not be released to represent his country.
L’Equipe report PSG have sent a letter to the FFF confirming their decision, with Mbappe’s involvement in the preceding Euro 2020 a major factor.
The club are not keen on giving Mbappe time off for another international competition when they will be preparing and competing in their own domestic season.
Their decision could cause a rift with the striker, as Mbappe was believed to be hopeful of taking part, while Neymar is also set to be denied any involvement with Brazil.
FFF president Noel Le Graet is also determined to have Mbappe in the French ranks, which would undoubtedly make them one of the favourites to win gold.
Le Graet told L’Equipe last month: “He 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.”
All competing nations are allowed three players over the age of 23 in their squad, and given Mbappe is only 21, he would not classify in that bracket.
PSG are also set to take similar stance on superstar forward Neymar, who was part of the Brazil side that won an Olympic gold medal in 2016.
Neymar has struggled with injury problems in recent months, and has also been linked with a mega-money move to Barcelona in the summer.
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Le Graet added: “Club presidents, in general, find that the dates are not good. That is how it is.”