From FIFA.com:



FIFA applauds IOC decision to increase number of teams in Women's Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008

FIFA today greeted with pleasure the decision taken by the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to increase the number of teams participating in the Women's Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008 from 10 to 12.

"FIFA is very pleased with the IOC Executive Board's decision," said FIFA President Blatter. "This acknowledges the growing importance of women's football on a global scale and serves as recognition for the development work undertaken by FIFA."

"It is a decision that FIFA has been advocating for some time and it will no doubt make an important contribution to the further promotion and development of women's football worldwide," he added.

The eight-team Women's Olympic Football Tournament in Atlanta in 1996 was a spectacular introduction of women's football to the Olympic Games. Since then, the event has progressed steadily, with eight teams participating in Sydney 2000, ten teams in Athens 2004 and now with twelve sides in Beijing 2008.

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This is just a small change but it underlines the growing popularity of the womens game. I would've liked to have seen the numbers raisedfurther, to around 16, but maybe the women's game isn't quite ready for that at the highest level of competition.

It is good for the game, the women are slowly establishing themselves,
by the way rabbidogg just like to congratulate you on the job you are doing here

Thanks very much Monster Manc I'm trying really hard to make this a successful forum and want members like to you to keep coming back. I'm trying to build the profile of the women's game on a global basis. Any input here is gratefully received

Will do mate.

I think is one big and important change. Showing how much women´s football is growing all over the world. And also shows that the Olympic Committee is paying atention to the ladies too
I believe this will be a great tournament, we will have very strong teams in 2008.