Le football aux jeux olympiques. Une histoire de concurrence politique, financière et d’audiences

This article looks back over 124 years of Olympic football history. Football has played an important role in the history of the Olympic Games and, symmetrically, the Games have played a crucial role in shaping international football. Football has contributed to the reinvention of the Olympic tradition, even as it quickly aroused controversy over the issue of professionalism. Football has enhanced the economic viability of the Olympic Games, despite the hostility of IOC officials, leading to the creation of the World Cup for professionals. During the Cold War, it brought to light the contradictions between the Olympic spirit and the pseudo-amateurs of the East bloc. In addition, football became a platform for African countries and for women, although it was not until 1996 that women?s football was included. Football?s status as the world's number one sport guarantees it a permanent place, even as the IOC considers new disciplines such as breakdancing and three-a-side basketball.