Kylian Mbappé really wanted to play at the Paris Olympics. Lionel Messi reportedly did too. But neither will, because they, like most men’s soccer stars, are victims of an age-old power struggle domineered by the sport’s global governing body, FIFA.
The struggle is the reason organizers impose two key restrictions on each men’s Olympic roster:
1. All but three players must be 23 years old or younger.
2. No matter the player’s age, his professional club isn’t required to grant him permission to play at the tournament.
The second rule spoiled Mbappé’s dream.