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The Olympic Football Tournament confirmed the evidence of the recent World Youth Championships (U-17 and U-20). Africa and South America dominate the competitions with age limits; while Asia still has not caught up with the leaders in terms of results, there was clear evidence of improvement with regard to performance. The teams from the CONCACAF region met the expectations placed in them, but the anticipated success of the US team failed to materialise. Europe was unable to meet its own targets in the competitions with age limits while Oceania, in the guise of the Australian team, suffered a slight reversal.
The possibility of using three older players led occasionally to outspoken discussion. Many technicians are of the opinion that this regulation can have a negative effect on team spirit. Players complained that the replacement of three players who were in part responsible for the team getting to the final play-offs by three older players ran contrary to the spirit of fair play.
Discussions about the future of the Olympic Football Tournament are certainly necessary. The crowded schedule of games, the journeys between the games, the so-called "Alternates", and the above-mentioned players of more than 23 years of age are all aspects which need to be addressed. So there will be no shortage of topics for discussion until Sydney 2000.