FIFA president Sepp Blatter is confident football will remain an Olympic sport despite the IOC's threats to the contrary should any attempt be made to make the tournament for under-21 players only.
Rules currently state that squads are allowed up to three players over the age of 23, but rows blazed last year in the lead-up to Beijing as clubs refused to release their players and FIFA lost several high-profile court cases.
Clubs have been pushing hard for the current rules to be changed to make it for younger players only but the IOC have been equally firm in their desire to maintain the status quo.
Blatter revealed today following the FIFA Executive Committee meeting in Rio de Janeiro that a taskforce had been set up to evaluate the matter but insists whatever decision is made it will not affect the future of football as an Olympic sport.
"I dont think football shall be or will be excluded from the Olympics," he said. "I've heard a lot of common sense when speaking with the IOC.
"The IOC also have responsibility towards international federation as we have towards the Olympic Games and the IOC.
"It will not happen I'm sure."
Blatter revealed that the taskforce, which is to be chaired by Cameroon football federation president Issa Hayatou, will consider whether to lower the age limit by two years while also ruling out over-age players or stick with the same system.
However, the world football chief did not rule out adopting other solutions.
"One side is to go to 21 and the other one is to maintain what is in," said Blatter. "And the working group will come out and say what their feelings are.
"It's a lot of noise about Olympic football which is good.
"It is the only sport with the exception of sailing that will be spread around country and not only played in one city, last year there were practically 1.2 million spectators which is much more than athletics."
Blatter added: "If the working group come out with another solution that can fit in the Olympic programme with no problems then that would also be a possibility.
"We have a huge and large history in the Olympic Games. The story might not always have been a love story but there is a responsibility on both sides.
"I'm sure we can overcome difficulties which may have arisen in the past."
Clubs have been pushing hard for the current rules to be changed to make it for younger players only but the IOC have been equally firm in their desire to maintain the status quo.
Blatter revealed today following the FIFA Executive Committee meeting in Rio de Janeiro that a taskforce had been set up to evaluate the matter but insists whatever decision is made it will not affect the future of football as an Olympic sport.
"I dont think football shall be or will be excluded from the Olympics," he said. "I've heard a lot of common sense when speaking with the IOC.
"The IOC also have responsibility towards international federation as we have towards the Olympic Games and the IOC.
"It will not happen I'm sure."
Blatter revealed that the taskforce, which is to be chaired by Cameroon football federation president Issa Hayatou, will consider whether to lower the age limit by two years while also ruling out over-age players or stick with the same system.
However, the world football chief did not rule out adopting other solutions.
"One side is to go to 21 and the other one is to maintain what is in," said Blatter. "And the working group will come out and say what their feelings are.
"It's a lot of noise about Olympic football which is good.
"It is the only sport with the exception of sailing that will be spread around country and not only played in one city, last year there were practically 1.2 million spectators which is much more than athletics."
Blatter added: "If the working group come out with another solution that can fit in the Olympic programme with no problems then that would also be a possibility.
"We have a huge and large history in the Olympic Games. The story might not always have been a love story but there is a responsibility on both sides.
"I'm sure we can overcome difficulties which may have arisen in the past."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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