FIFA to discuss solution to London 2012 football tournament age row

September 29 – FIFA officials will meet in Rio de Janeiro today to discuss possible changes on the age limit for players at the men’s Olympic football tournament at London 2012, the final of which is due to be held at Wembley.

The governing body’s ruling Executive Committee will appoint the members of a task force to consider the eligibility criteria for the Olympic tournament.

The task force is expected to set a December deadline to come up with recommendations for new rules to be presented to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) so it can then finalise plans for the London 2012 programme.

FIFA favours the dropping the age limit to 21 instead of the current 23, or even abolishing the limit but barring all players with World Cup experience from participating.

The IOC would like to keep the age limit at 23 with the exception of three overage players, but Europe’s top clubs want FIFA to make the tournament an under-21 event.

The IOC says that would diminish the quality of the tournament and warned that it may have to consider its future in the Games if that happens.

FIFA and the IOC have struggled to reach an agreement on player eligibility since current rules almost prevented Barcelona star Lionel Messi from leading Argentina to the gold medal in Beijing last year.

The IOC wants the Olympic tournament put on FIFA’s international calendar, which would force clubs to release players, but European clubs say an Olympic tournament scheduled in July-August interrupts their pre-season planning and qualifying matches for the lucrative Champions League.