Figures contained in the world governing body's 2012 financial report, published last week, suggest a significant financial swing in FIFA's favour compared with the last Olympic football competition.

Then, in Beijing 2008, FIFA recorded just $14.8 million (£9.7 million/€11.4 million) of revenue, received from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), while running up $22 million (£14 million/€17 million) of expenses to leave an apparent deficit of $7.2 million (£4.7 million/€5.6 million).

A $6 million (£4 million/€4.5 million) slice of these expenses was said to be a FIFA contribution to the confederations "for the benefit of the participating teams".


This time around, the situation was reversed, with London 2012-related expenses of $16.4 million (£10.8 million/€12.7 million) incurred, while revenue jumped to $22.4 million (£14.7 million/€17.3 million).

The women's competition - won by the United States, who edged out Japan 2-1 in a Wembley final attended by over 80,000 people - was seen as a particular success.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter, subjected to booing prior to the medal ceremony for the top women's teams, at once hailed London 2012 as "absolutely" the best Olympic football tournament in his time at FIFA, going on 38 years.