What is Football?
Football is the most popular sport in the world and sees opposing teams of 11 players try to score goals primarily by use of the feet.
By whom, where and when was Football invented?
Football has its roots in ancient China while the modern version of the game began on the streets of medieval England. Neighbouring towns would play each other in games where a heaving mass of players would struggle to drag a pig’s bladder by any means possible to markers at either end of town.
English football's governing body, the Football Association, codified the laws of the game in 1863.
What are the rules of Football?
Two teams of 11 players each try to place the ball into a goal by using any part of their anatomy with the exception of the hand or arm.
Players must not be overly physical in their attempts to win the ball, and a mistimed challenge, eg. kicking the opposing player before the ball, will lead to a free-kick to the opposition. This can be a penalty (spot-kick) if the 'foul' occurs in the player's own penalty area.
Each team has a goalkeeper who is permitted to handle the ball only inside their own penalty area. If they are outside the area, they are considered as an outfield player.
How long is a Football game?
A football game, or match, consists of two halves of 45 minutes with a 15-minute break for half-time. There may be time added on at the end of each half for injuries or other stoppages.
Football and the Olympics
Football made its Olympic debut at Paris 1900 and has appeared at every Games since with the exception of Los Angeles 1932.
Professional players were first admitted, with some restrictions, at Los Angeles 1984, and Barcelona 1992 saw it become an under-23 tournament.
Four years later at Atlanta, three overage players were permitted per squad and this remains the current situation regarding eligibility.
Atlanta 1996 also saw women's football make its Olympic debut with hosts USA claiming the first title. The USWNT has won four of the seven women's Olympic football competitions.
Best Football players to watch
Global superstar Kylian Mbappé is expected to feature for France at Paris 2024. With the men's tournament restricted largely to under-23s, it is difficult to predict which players will be called up.
The women's tournament is an all-age competition.
USA has been the powerhouse nation for several years but the likes of Germany, England (who make up most of the Great Britain team at the Olympics) and reigning Olympic champions Canada are in the conversation for top spot.
For the USWNT, striker Alex Morgan is on track for a fourth Games while Megan Rapinoe is also keen to play at Paris 2024 having been instrumental in their 2019 Women's World Cup triumph.
One of them may have to make room for Sophia Smith who is proving a potent force in front of goal, while Trinity Rodman - the daughter of former basketball star Dennis Rodman - is another youngster making her name.
Hosts France boast a number of star names including defender Wendie Renard and forward Eugenie Le Sommer who is closing in on 100 goals for her country.
Brazil's six-time FIFA Player of the Year Marta continues to shine although her latter career has been dogged by injury. She will be hoping to bow out in style in Paris.
Football Competition Rules at Paris 2024
The men's football tournament at Paris sees 16 teams split into four groups of four. The top two in each group go through to the quarter-finals and it is straight knockout from thereon in.
The women's tournament comprises 12 teams in three groups of four. The top two in each group, plus the two best third-placed teams, go through to the quarter-finals.
Group matches can end in draws after 90 minutes, but knockout games will go to extra-time and then a penalty shoot-out if the teams cannot be separated.
