The International Olympic Committee is in discussions with FIFA over a possible major reform to Olympic football, which could see the long-standing U23 age restriction removed in favour of full senior national teams.
According to IOC vice president Juan Antonio Samaranch, the objective is to bring the men’s Olympic football tournament closer in stature and competitiveness to the FIFA World Cup, while also expanding participation to include more nations.
The current Olympic men’s football format, which is largely restricted to under-23 players with a limited number of over-age exceptions, has been in place since the 1992 Barcelona Games.
However, growing discussions between the IOC and FIFA suggest a shift in philosophy aimed at increasing global appeal and sporting prestige.
Samaranch noted that one of the key motivations behind the talks is to elevate the tournament’s profile, making it more reflective of top-tier international football and enhancing its commercial and competitive value.
Another major point under consideration is the expansion of participating teams, which could significantly increase global representation at the Olympic Games.
While no final agreement has been reached, the discussions mark one of the most significant potential changes to Olympic football in decades, with further consultations expected between both governing bodies in the coming months.
