Chelsea 'block two more players from appearing at Olympic Games'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 03 June 2024

Chelsea 'block two more players from Olympics appearance'

Chelsea reportedly take the decision to block a further two players from representing their nations at the Olympic Games this summer.

Chelsea have reportedly taken steps to prevent two more players from playing at the upcoming Olympic Games.

With Euro 2024 and the Copa America taking place over the coming weeks, clubs from around the world will witness their players be involved with their respective nations.

Although major tournaments in the summer are common practice, the situation is made more complex for the clubs in question due to the Olympics being held in Paris.

Just over a week after Euro 2024 and the Copa America reach a conclusion, the football tournament in France will be held between July 24 and August 10.

As a result, many clubs are left in an awkward position with regards to permission being granted over selection, with the teams holding that right due to the competition not being ratified by FIFA.

Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto and Trevoh Chalobah on April 15, 2024 © Reuters

Chelsea duo join Fernandez in being omitted

On Sunday, it emerged that Chelsea would not allow Enzo Fernandez to represent Argentina, with the midfielder's situation not helped by undergoing hernia surgery in April.

According to The Mirror, Chelsea officials also got involved to ensure that Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile were not selected by France.

Aged 21 and 23 respectively, the defensive duo were in contention to be selected by Thierry Henry for what is a home tournament for Les Bleus.

Instead, their names were not included in the squad that was announced on Monday, the report in question highlighting that incoming Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca preferred to keep them in the club's pre-season plans.

One Chelsea player will be involved, however, with Lesley Ugochukwu being provided with the opportunity to go away with his country.

Ugochukwu featured for just 563 minutes in all competitions during 2023-24, with his only appearance after a hamstring injury sustained in December coming on the final day of 2023-24 against Bournemouth.

Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca reacts on March 17, 2024 © Reuters

Will Chelsea face further Olympic decisions?

There could be more instances where a Chelsea player is called-up for the Olympics, with Mykhaylo Mudryk a potential selection for Ukraine.

However, in that situation, Chelsea are again likely to block one of their most expensive players from playing in the tournament, particularly with Ukraine having qualified for Euro 2024.

Gabriel Slonina may have more chance of representing the USA given that he is unlikely to be regarded as one of Chelsea's three senior goalkeepers for next season.