FIFA is reportedly lobbying the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to introduce an under-23 age limit for the women’s Olympic football tournament from the 2032 Brisbane Games in a move aimed at reducing players’ workload and easing fixture congestion.

The proposal is being considered amid growing concerns over the increasingly crowded football calendar, particularly following FIFA’s plans to introduce a Women’s Club World Cup in Olympic years.

According to reports, the eligibility criteria for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games have already been established, meaning any proposed changes would not come into effect before the 2032 edition in Brisbane, Australia.

Unlike the men’s Olympic football tournament, which is restricted to players under 23 with three overage exceptions, the women’s competition has traditionally featured senior international players without age restrictions.

FIFA’s proposed adjustment would therefore represent a major change to the structure of the women’s Olympic football tournament.

The world football governing body is concerned that staging the Women’s Club World Cup alongside the Olympic football competition could place additional demands on elite players and leave them with insufficient time for recovery.

The inaugural Women’s Club World Cup is scheduled for January 2028, just months before the Los Angeles Olympics, raising concerns about the physical demands of an expanded football calendar.

The 2028 Olympics will also feature an expanded women’s football tournament involving 16 teams, making it larger than the men’s competition for the first time.

Sources within FIFA and the IOC have reportedly indicated that both organisations are open to discussions on the proposed changes. However, the idea could face resistance from leading players and national football associations, given the significance of the Olympic tournament in the women’s football calendar.

The IOC is also expected to consider the commercial appeal of the women’s competition before reaching a decision.

No formal proposal has been announced, while FIFA and the IOC have yet to publicly comment on the reported discussions.

If adopted, Brisbane 2032 would be the earliest edition of the Olympic Games at which the proposed age restriction could be introduced.