Football (Soccer)
Olympic history (pre London 2012)
The 'world game' made its Olympic debut in Paris in 1900. Since its introduction, football (soccer) has missed featuring on the Olympic program only once, in Los Angeles in 1932.
The eligibility criteria for Olympic football teams are constantly being debated. In 1992 the decision was made to implement an age limit of 23, regardless of professional or amateur status. Since 1996 three over-age players could be added to each squad.
Summary of past Australian Olympic team results
- Australia entered a men’s football team in Melbourne in 1956 but did not compete again until Seoul in 1988.
- Since then, Australia has contested every men’s Olympic football competition. The best result was fourth in Barcelona in 1992.
- Women’s football was added to the Olympic program in 1996 and Australia began competing in Sydney in 2000.
- Australia placed fifth in Athens in 2004 but did not qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
- Unfortunately neither the men's or women's football teams qualified for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Sporting organisation
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| Football Federation Australia |
