OLYMPIC GAMES | SOCCER

Why is there no age restriction in the women’s Olympic soccer tournament?

Only under-23s, along with three overage players, are allowed to compete in the men’s tournament. What about the women?

Stephane MaheREUTERS

The start of the 2024 Olympic men’s soccer tournament was marked by huge controversy in the Argentina - Morocco Group A clash, as well as the absences of superstar names such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Christian Pulisic.

Why is the men’s Olympic soccer tournament for under-23 players?

According to 2024 Olympic regulations for the men’s tournament, each national team can select a maximum of three players over the age of 23, while the rest of the 18-man squad (plus four reserves) must consist of players born on or after January 1, 2001.

Messi, Mbappé and Pulisic could all have been selected as ‘veterans,’ although their respective countries’ Olympic Committees would have risked incurring the wrath of their clubs, who are desperate for their stars to get some rest after already playing in the 2024 Copa America and Euro 2024 this summer.

Indeed, the main season for the under-23 restriction being in place is to avoid qualified nations having to deal with schedule clashes when major international tournaments are played in the same year.

Why is the women’s Olympic tournament not for under-23s?

The women’s tournament, on the other hand, has no such restriction.

As the Olympics don’t clash with the FIFA Women’s Cup or any other major international tournaments, countries are permitted to select whoever they wish, which inevitably means the top female stars compete and, if we’re being honest, make it a bigger deal than the men’s tournament.

Although Alex Morgan won’t be playing for the USWNT in the 2024 Olympic Games, the likes of Lindsay Horan, Crystal Dunn, Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas and Wendie Renard are all turning out for their countries.

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