FIFA have withdrawn from limiting the age of players in the Olympic football tournament at the London 2012 Games to under-21s.

The game's world governing body had been expected to change the age limit from under-23 and scrap the rule that allows three over-age players but they will instead set up a task force to look at the issue.

There had been concerns that such a change would lessen the stature of the Olympic football tournament and alternatives - including one to keep the under-23 limit but not allow over-age players - will now be considered.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter told the organisation's congress in Nassau: "The executive committee has decided not to make a presentation but has decided to have a task force to discuss in depth with the IOC again the eligibility for the Olympic Games in 2012."

The congress also voted in favour of a declaration for FIFA's executive committee to keep working towards Blatter's '6+5 plan' for limits on foreign players and ban the international transfer of players under 18.

FIFA's executive committee had voted in favour of the under-21 rule after last summer's Beijing Olympics when Werder Bremen and Barcelona successfully challenged their obligation to release Diego and Lionel Messi for the Games.

Committee members decided the men's tournament should be limited to under-21s to avoid clashes with club matches and more legal battles, but that likelihood has now receded.