In case you didn’t know, CONCACAF is kicking off 2016 Olympic Mens Soccer Qualifying tonight in Kansas City (Women’s will be in February). Matches will be on NBC Universo and begin with Panama vs. Cuba at 6:30 PM ET and United States vs. Canada at approximately 8:55 PM ET. Now this isn’t just any ole’ tournament. This has some additional rules that people may not realize. Here is what you need to know.
Who can participate?
The Men’s Soccer Olympic event is a U-23 tournament so players must be under age 23 by the time the Olympics start. Each country can have three players over the age of 23 to also participate. But even though countries can bring in older players, it isn’t that easy. The Olympics isn’t recognized on the FIFA calendar so club teams are not required to release their players.
One big instance has been Neymar wanting to go play for Brazil in his home Olympics. Barcelona hasn’t said anything about releasing him or not but the Olympics is during August and that is when club teams will start their preseason.
To continue reading this article by Phillip Bupp at Bloguin, click here.
