While the modern game of football started with the foundation of the Football Association of England in 1863, its roots extend to opposite ends of the earth. The ancient Chinese, Greeks and Romans played a similar game, long before English kings in the 1300s and 1400s were trying to outlaw the violent sport.

In 1900, football became one of the first team sports included in the Olympic Games. During the Sydney Games, the sport celebrated 100 years of Olympic football. Women's football was introduced at the 1996 Olympic Games, where the final attracted a world record crowd for a women's sporting event of 76,000 people.

While professionals are allowed in the men's tournament, rules restrict teams to players under 23 years old with the exception of three over-age players.

The women's tournament is open to players at least 16 years old.

At the Athens 2004 Olympic Games there will be an increase in the number of women's teams from 8 to 10. The men's tournament will not change and will be set at 16 teams.