Football not shortlisted for 2020 Olympics, process to help further the game

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics have announced their shortlist for Olympic inclusion and football was not among the eight finalists.

The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee received applications from 26 International Federations (IFs) recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) including the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). Cities that host the Olympic Games can ask for one or more sports to be included in their games.

Although unsuccessful, IFAF has gained valuable insight into the application process and the steps required to work towards inclusion in the Olympics.

“Whilst ultimately unsuccessful, the process we have been through has a real value to IFAF,” said IFAF Managing Director, Andy Fuller in a letter posted on IFAF.org. “As we seek to define our future strategy it gives us a clear understanding of many of the steps we need to take should there be opportunities for Olympic inclusion in the future.”

Members of the international football community will come together in Canton, Ohio this July for the inaugural Strategy Forum.