FIFA seeks discussion with IOC on possible under‑23 limit for women’s Olympic football

FIFA has expressed a desire to open a dialogue with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding the possibility of restricting the women’s football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games to players under the age of 23. The governing body said the proposal is motivated by worries about fixture congestion and the workload placed on senior international players.

The eligibility rules for the Los Angeles Olympics have already been set, and qualification matches are underway in several regions. According to sources from both organisations, any amendment to the age criteria could not be implemented before the Brisbane 2032 Games at the earliest, but both FIFA and the IOC are reportedly willing to consider the issue in consultation with stakeholders such as national associations and player representatives.

Introducing an under‑23 limit would represent a significant shift from the current format, which allows senior players to compete and has been a staple of the women’s Olympic programme since its debut in Atlanta in 1996. The change would require formal analysis and approval through the established FIFA‑IOC processes and could provoke strong reactions from players and national teams that view the Olympics as a premier competition.

The discussion comes amid a broader expansion of the women’s football calendar. FIFA is set to launch a 16‑team Women’s Club World Cup in January 2028, six months before the Olympics, a move that could further compress the season for clubs in Europe and elsewhere. The IOC has highlighted the commercial importance of the women’s tournament, which is scheduled to feature 16 teams—more than the men’s event—for the first time.

Both organisations have indicated that they remain open to dialogue and will seek input from relevant parties before any decision is taken. No formal proposal has been submitted, and the outcome of the talks will depend on assessments of player welfare, commercial considerations, and the overall structure of international women’s football competitions.