The current age limit for Olympic football teams could be lifted for future Games following discussions between FIFA and the IOC. Currently teams are allowed only three players over the 23-year-old age limit. FIFA's anxiety rests with the Olympics potentially diminishing the importance of the World Cup if the age limit for players were to be scrapped completely.

"Football is very eager to protect its World Cup but I have spoken to Mr Blatter (FIFA president) and his executive committee is ready to improve the quality of Olympic football," said IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch.

"If the Olympics are held in July, Blatter told me that all the great players will compete," he added.

Blatter has long been an advocate of increasing the frequency of international football tournaments. He has previously been a staunch advocate of a biennial World Cup although that plan has now been shelved.