FIFA is urging the International Olympic Committee to cap the women’s Olympic football tournament at under‑23s, citing concerns over fixture overload and player workload.
Eligibility rules for the 2028 Los Angeles Games are already in place, and qualification tournaments are underway, meaning any alteration would not take effect before Brisbane 2032. However, sources close to both bodies say they remain open to discussions.
While no official proposal exists yet, FIFA is understood to be exploring the option in talks with the IOC and key stakeholders, including players’ representatives and leading member associations that regularly qualify for the Olympics.
Introducing an age restriction would fundamentally reshape the event and would necessitate thorough analysis, consultation, and deliberation within FIFA and IOC frameworks.
The proposal would likely spark controversy and resistance from top international players, as the Olympics is considered a pinnacle of the women’s season. The United States, under Emma Hayes, captured gold in Paris in 2024, adding to their five Olympic titles out of eight editions.
The tournament also holds significant commercial value for the IOC, especially in markets like the United States, Europe and Australia, which could make the committee wary of accommodating FIFA’s suggestions.
Women’s football debuted at the 1996 Atlanta Games and, initially as an amateur competition, had no age restrictions—unlike the men’s tournament.
Football was added to the Olympic programme in 1908, but the IOC barred professionals until 1984, largely due to FIFA’s desire to protect the World Cup and concerns over a congested schedule. In 1992, under FIFA pressure, the IOC instituted an under‑23 limit, while permitting three overage players per squad from 1996 onward.
The rapid growth and professionalisation of women’s football over the past decade have intensified fixture congestion, with the 2028 schedule projected to be the busiest to date.
FIFA bears considerable responsibility for this overload, having scheduled the Women’s Club World Cup—featuring 16 teams in the United States—from 5 to 30 January, just six months ahead of the Olympic Games.
The Club World Cup is expected to disrupt European club seasons, potentially keeping Arsenal, Chelsea, or Manchester City away from domestic fixtures for a month if they progress deep into the tournament, causing them to miss four Women’s Super League games and the FA Cup fourth round.
The IOC’s commitment to women’s football is underscored by the decision to expand the tournament to 16 teams in Los Angeles—surpassing the men’s 12‑team field and reversing the format seen at Paris 2024.
Both FIFA and the IOC have declined to comment.