Critics say that football, with its millionaire players and age restrictions, does not sit well with the ideals of the Olympic Games. Also being criticised is the fact that the World Cup was so much bigger than the Olympic tournament.
However FIFA, the governing body of world football, have issued positive figures claiming that after the men’s quarter finals had been played, 1,230,818 spectators would have watched the 28 matches.
The average attendance at the matches has been 43,958, which is higher than at Beijing’s Olympics and only slightly behind Los Angeles’ average of 44,488. Huge crowds are expected at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Old Trafford in Manchester and Wembley Stadium in London which will increase the average – also the funds which go to the organisers of the London Games
The women’s tournament has so far attracted an attendance of 480,206, with four more matches (Coventry, Old Trafford and two at Wembley) to go. Tuesday’s Wembley match between Team GB and Brazil enjoyed an attendance of 70,584 – a new high for a women’s match in Britain.
Sepp Blatter, FIFA president and member of the IOC is said to be delighted Britain’s response to football’s relationship with the Games. He added that the stadiums are wonderful and he feels privileged to be here.
Brazil’s 1994 manager, Carlos Alberto Parreira, (manager when Brazil won the 1994 World Cup final) who is on FIFA’S Technical Delegation for the Olympics, concurs with the view. He says that there has been a fantastic spirit of fair play and fabulous stadiums. He went on to say that all the facilities have been tremendous; with players enjoying them they will never forget their visit.
Mr Parreira says that football should definitely remain an Olympic sport, when 81,000 spectators watched Mexico v Senegal.