FIFA set to agree to Aussie request to play ‘overage’ players at Tokyo Olympic Games next year

Olyroos coach Graham Arnold called on the IOC and FIFA to raise the age limit for the Tokyo Olympics so players aren’t robbed of their once-in-a-lifetime dream. He’s now likely got his wish.

Olyroos coach Graham Arnold wants the IOC to relax the rules to allow 24-year-olds to play in next year’s Tokyo Games. Picture: AAP

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The age limit for the Tokyo Olympics men’s soccer tournament could be raised so that players who were eligible in 2020 will not miss out following the postponement of the Games until the following year.

Olympic football is usually restricted to under-23 teams for the men’s tournament, with three over-age players allowed per team.

However, a working group set up by global soccer’s governing body FIFA has recommended that the competition should remain open to players born on or after Jan. 1, 1997, as originally planned, FIFA said in a statement.

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Olyroos coach Graham Arnold got hiss wish as FIFA relaxed the rules.

This would effectively raise the age limit by one year, as requested by both South Korea and Australia.

There is no age limit for the women’s tournament.

Australia coach Graham Arnold has called on the IOC and FIFA to raise the age limit so players aren’t robbed of their once-in-a-lifetime dream.

Arnold said last month it would be unfair if the young stars who helped Australia qualify for their first Olympics since 2008 were cruelly squeezed out by the unprecedented effects of the coronavirus, and that he was preparing to campaign on their behalf to the powers that be.

“What is important to note is that the men’s football tournament is for under 23 players currently,” said Arnold.

Daniel De Silva would have been too old to play at the Games under the old rules.

“We believe that a discussion at the highest levels of the sport – FIFA and the IOC – should take place to seriously consider adjusting the age group to under 24’s for Tokyo.

“Our players worked tirelessly to secure qualification for Tokyo and for most it was their career highlight to date.

“All footballers, not only Australian footballers, that helped their nations qualify for Tokyo deserve the chance to be selected in squads to compete in Tokyo, and that’s what I am eager to advocate for, for our boys.”