Salah’s participation at Olympics is in Liverpool’s hands

CAIRO – 15 February 2020: FIFA spokesperson made it clear that the clubs have the right to stop their over-aged players from joining their nations’ teams at the Olympics.

“The men’s Olympic Football Tournament, as well as all FIFA competitions with age restrictions, are not included in the men’s international match calendar 2018-2024, and thus clubs are not under the obligation to release players for the competition," FIFA spokesperson told SunSport on Saturday.

Salah, who was among the U-23 team during 2012 Olympic Games in London, has to convince his club’s coaching staff if he has the desire to join Egypt’s U-23 team in Tokyo this summer.

Since Egypt secured their spot at the next Olympic Games as AFCON U-23 winners, the debate over Salah’s participation with the team started.

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, commented on the situation, saying “We are completely clear about what we want, but we need more information: how will it look, when will the preparation start, all that stuff. No decision yet, but we will see.”

Salah is one of the key players at Liverpool since he joined the club in 2017 summer and he led the club to win UEFA Champions League title last summer and they are close to win the long-awaited League title this season.