Source: REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen
[Saba Sports News] Japanese media reports state that the Japanese National Olympics team has decided not to utilize the over-age player quota for the Paris Olympics. According to the rules, each team is allowed three over-age player spots. The Japanese National Olympics initially planned to use these three spots for the midfield and defense, including Wataru Endo, Ko Itakura, Shogo Taniguchi and Takehiro Tomiyasu. However, it seems unlikely that any of these players will participate in the Paris Olympics. Liverpool has refused to release Endo, despite his strong desire to represent Japan in the Olympics. Several other central defenders have also cited similar reasons. The only possibility remaining is Koki Machida, but negotiations are still ongoing. Consequently, the Japanese Football Association and Japanese Olympic coach Go Oiwa have decided not to fill the over-age player quota, and it is possible that no over-age player will be called up at all. The Japanese National Olympics team is expected to announce its roster for the Paris Olympics on July 3.