Taye Taiwo will not play at the Olympic Games after the Nigerian FA allowed him to stay with Marseille.
Nigerian staying with Marseille
Taye Taiwo will not play at the Olympic Games after the Nigerian Football Association allowed him to stay with Marseille.
The 23-year-old defender is a key player for Marseille but was selected by his country for the tournament in Beijing.
The French club have been in discussions with Nigerian officials for some time and an agreement has now been reached.
"We made it clear to the federation that it is an important period for us in the league and in the championship," Marseille general secretary Julien Fournier said.
"On the other hand we promised to make every effort to release Taye for the (Nigeria) squad in the future."
Exemption
Chairman Pape Diouf added: "Considering the good relationship we have with Nigerian officials we got a special exemption for Taye Taiwo
"We are delighted as having to play without Taye Taiwo would have been harmful."
Marseille kick off their Ligue 1 campaign against Rennes on Saturday, while they also face Norwegian side SK Brann in a two-legged UEFA Champions League qualifier this month.
Marseille have had to fight to keep Taiwo this summer, with Sunderland reportedly tabling an offer for the full-back.
