Fifa wants to restrict women’s Olympic football to under-23s in controversial move

Fifa wants the International Olympic Committee to restrict the women’s Olympic football tournament to under 23s owing to concerns over fixture congestion and the workload of senior players.

The eligibility criteria for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles has been set, with qualification tournaments having begun in some regions, so no change can be made until Brisbane 2032 at the earliest, but sources at both organisations have told the Guardian that they are open to dialogue.

Although no formal proposal has been made, Fifa is understood to be interested in examining the matter in talks with the IOC and other key stakeholders, such as the players and leading member associations whose national sides routinely qualify for the Games.