6 April 2020 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) has welcomed FIFA and the IOC decision to move the Olympics Games from the initiall date of 24 July – 9 August 2020 to 23 July-8 August 2021.
FIFA has also adjusted the age group of those participating in football competition from the standard U23 age group to 24 in light of the Games having been moved by a year.
This will allow the players who qualified for the tournament to take part in the Olympics. South Africa, Egypt and Ivory Coast will represent the African continent at the Tokyo Olympics.
“We are happy that FIFA adjusted the age group to 24 years from the normal U23 as this will allow the players who worked hard and qualified for the Olympics to realise their much cherished dream of taking part in the world’s biggest sporting spectacle. This is a huge relief for everyone – the coach and his staff, the players and administrators,” said SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan.
“We have a great team comprising some very talented and up and coming stars which we think has what it takes to advance far in the Olympics. Coach David Notoane has assembled an ambitious squad which has all the qualities to go all the way in the upcoming Games.”
Issued by the Communications Department: SAFA
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