FOOTBALL NEWS - Fifa has welcomed the decision taken by the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to approve a proposal for 16 women’s and 12 men’s teams to participate in the Olympic Football Tournaments at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28), calling it “a major milestone for the women’s game and a powerful endorsement of women’s sport”.

In a media statement Fifa said the expansion of the women’s tournament reflects the shared commitment of Fifa, the IOC and LA28 to elevate women’s sport, celebrate the strength of the women’s game in the United States and continue to open doors for more players and more nations on the world stage.

“Fifa has always believed in the power of women’s football and the decision by the IOC Executive Board is a positive step,” said Fifa President Gianni Infantino. 

“Our vision is clear: we are investing in and expanding opportunities for women’s football at every level. More teams on the Olympic stage means more role models, more inspiration and more impact,” Infantino said.

He said Fifa has consistently advocated the expansion of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, and also made a formal request to increase the number of women’s teams from 12 to 16 ahead of Paris 2024. 

He said this request was in line with Goal 7 of Fifa’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027, which calls for more opportunities for women and girls in football and at all levels of the game. The standard 12 teams ended up playing in Paris in 2024.

Infantino says the change to 16 women’s teams in Los Angeles also builds on the success of the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023, which was expanded from 24 to 32 teams, resulting in record-breaking engagement and showcasing the emerging talent from around the world. 

He said this move only increased the interest in the tournament, as eight debutant nations and an additional 184 players had the chance to perform on the global stage.

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