Katharina Schöttl, Valentina Metz and Florian Kainz
https://doi.org/10.5406/26396025.7.2.03
Does Money or Age Score Goals in the Olympic Football Tournament? – A Critical Examination of Squad Criteria and Age Regulations in the Context of Men’s Olympic Football Competition
Abstract:
This study examines the influence of age restrictions and market value on competitive success in men’s Olympic football. Drawing on data from the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 tournaments, it investigates whether the Under-23 rule fulfils its goal by effectively supporting team performance, or whether financial valuation is a more accurate predictor of success. The dataset comprises 656 players from both tournaments (344 from Tokyo 2021 and 312 from Paris 2024), with player market values sourced from the Transfermarkt database. Using an empirical-quantitative approach, the findings reveal that team market value explains performance outcomes significantly better than age. These results raise critical questions about the effectiveness of age-based eligibility rules and suggest that alternative frameworks—such as market value caps or salary restrictions—may be better suited to balance competitive equity and developmental goals. The study contributes to broader debates on sports governance, labour market regulation, and the intersection of youth development and competitive fairness in global football.