The men's olympic football tournament is generally played without international stars, apart from a few exceptions, such as the Brazilian Neymar in 2016. Beyond having to negotiate with the clubs, the tournament is reserved for young people – the regulations allow only three players over 23 years old. What might change in the future. Questioned on the subject by AIPS, Kirsty Coventry, candidate for the IOC presidency, has left the door open to a change in the rules. "I am still ready to listen to what FIFA leaders say, what they would like to see. We could possibly discuss the possibility of opening the Games to all age groups, which would allow the inclusion of the best footballers in the world", explains the former swimmer, while specifying that she has "no specific position yet" on the issue. She also believes that the current regulation offers " opportunities for participation in more countries », "which is, I think, very important for the Olympic Movement". The last three editions of the Olympic Games have been marked in particular by the participation of Honduras, Guinea, Iraq , Uzbekistan, Fiji, the Dominican Republic or Israel, who very rarely participate in top international competitions in men's football.
