France entered the summer not knowing its Olympic fate. The team had to head to Manilla and win the Olympic Qualifying Tournament against Canada and Turkey among other teams. It was clear France was the heavy favorite to advance to the Olympics.
The team at that time knew it would not likely need Evan Fournier very much for that tournament. With his free agency, it was a fine spot for the team to be in. Fournier could sit out and figure out his contract situation and leave the door open for a return should France qualify for the Olympics.