Revealed: Why one France player didn’t get an Olympic medal after defeat to Spain in final after little-known rule – and a snub from Thierry Henry

One France star was denied an Olympic silver medal due to a little-known rule after being snubbed by coach Thierry Henry.

France made it through to the final of the tournament but the hosts were beaten 5-3 after extra-time by Spain in an enthralling final.

Enzo Millot had given France the lead but Fermin Lopez scored twice to put Spain in front.

Alex Baena subsequently made it 3-1 to Spain, but France forced extra time, with Maghnes Akliouche and Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring.

In extra time, Spain’s quality shone through as Sergio Camello netted a brace.

Henry, who took charge of the France Olympic team, didn’t give the player any minutes

The majority of the France squad were given silver medals after the game, but one player missed out.

Goalkeeper Theo de Percin was named in France’s squad for the tournament as a standby player. 

However, as he wasn’t named on the bench for any of the matches, de Percin subsequently didn’t get a medal, as reported by The Mirror.

Goalkeeper Theo de Percin (left) was the only member of the France squad not to get a medal

Auxerre goalkeeper De Percin was the only one of France’s four standby players not to be named in a matchday squad.

Article 30.1 of the Olympic Football Tournament regulation states: ‘Should an alternate player replace a player and appear on the start list, said alternate player will also obtain a medal should their team finish first, second or third in the Tournaments, in addition to the replaced player.’

Chrislain Matsima, Andy Diouf and Johann Lepenant were all involved in the final group stage game against New Zealand, with De Percin the only standby player to miss out.