FIFA aims to make futsal and beach soccer Olympic sports

Of all the sports currently governed by FIFA, only football is an Olympic discipline. However, FIFA is looking to change that by expanding its presence at the world’s biggest four-year sporting event.

Details: In its strategy through 2027, FIFA has outlined its plans to propose to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) the inclusion of futsal and beach soccer as Olympic sports, distinct from traditional football. Additionally, FIFA is pushing for an increase in the number of teams in the women's football tournament to 16, mirroring the men’s competition.

Reminder: FIFA began its involvement in futsal relatively recently, taking control of the sport in the 1980s, with the first FIFA Futsal World Cup held in 1989. Beach soccer came under FIFA’s authority much later, in 2005.

Read also: 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup. Calendar and results of the tournament