The worldwide FIFA organization are petitioning the International Olympic Committee to help devise new rules regarding soccer in the Olympic games. One of the rules they are hoping to change is the baring of any player over 21 years old.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter

This they hope will help encourage young talent by giving them a platform from which to shine. Other rules being brought up is the baring of players who have played in the World Cup games. This they say is unfair for other teams who can’t possibly compete against these teams.

Personally I think they should implement both of these rules. It is unfair for countries like Canada to compete against Brazil or anyone else for that matter. I know that in hockey Canada sometimes decides to use their junior players to represent in the Olympics, and when they do they still win! They don’t do it to brag but because they want to see more young talent being used to further the game in their own country. What better way to get kids playing soccer than to give them a platform to play other than local community games.

Source: The Canadian Press

Image: Newscom

David Beckham, despite his bust schedule, was at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. During the closing ceremonies held at the National Stadium “Birds Nest” - August 24, 2008. Beckham was passed the Olympic Torch to bring back to England, signifying the passing on of the eternal flame for the next games to be held in London 2012.

Watch David Beckham’s interview after the Closing Ceremonies in Beijing.

Image courtesy of Newscom.

-Team Brazil warms up at a stadium in Beijing, China.-

National football (soccer) teams Brazil and Belgium, will play for the Bronze medal during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The match will be held at the Shanghai Stadium @ 7pm August 22, 2008. Also, don’t forget about the match between Argentina and Nigeria for the Gold and Silver medals.

Image courtesy of Newscom.

The United States women’s team celebrate their victory over Brazil for the Gold medal in 2008 Olympic Games. The Olympic team included Hope Solo, Heather Mitts, Christie Rampone, Lindsay Tarpley, Shannon Boxx, Amy Rodriguez, Heather O’Reilly, Carli Loyd, Kate Margraf, Angela Hucles, and Lori Chalupny.

Image courtesy of Newscom.

The United States women have just clenched the gold medal for soccer (football) during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. They defeated Brazil 1:0 in what can only be described as a passionate fight. Brazil will receive silver for their accomplishments in the games. Congratulations US Women!

Image courtesy of Newscom.

In a stunning soccer match during the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games Argentina defeated Brazil 3-0 - August 19, 2008. Perhaps arguably the two best teams in the world faced it off for a chance at the gold. Argentina will now have to duke it out with Nigeria for the Gold or Silver medals. Watch for the final results on Saturday August 23.

Image courtesy of Newscom.

Action shot of Shinbu Ohno of Japan, left, taking on Carli Lloyd of the United States during the 2008 Beijing Olympic match - August 18, 2008. The game ended in favour if the US 4-2 paving the way for an Olympic medal. 

Image courtesy of Newscom.

The United States’ women’s soccer team quickly celebrate a 4-2 victory over Japan at the Workers Stadium during 2008 Beijing Olympic Games - August 18, 2008. The US eliminated Canada and Japan etched out the home team of China during the first semifinal rounds. The United States have secured their chance for the Silver medal. They will now have to contest with eith Germany or Brazil for Gold!

Image courtesy of Newscom.

Read the complete article at ESPN.

Beckham Groupie reported that David Beckham is scheduled to appear during the closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. London will be taking over the Olympic torch after Beijing so Beckham was asked to do the honours for his country.

Source: Beckham Groupie

Japan’s Women Football team celebrates 2-0 win over China to play in semifinals round during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. The game was played August 15 at the Qinhuangdao Stadium in Qinhuangdao, China. Canada unfortunately lost to the United States.

Image courtesy of Newscom.