The 1997 Mediterranean Games football tournament was the 13th edition of the Mediterranean Games men's football tournament. The football tournament was held in Bari, Italy between 16 and 25 June 1997 as part of the 1997 Mediterranean Games and was contested by 13 teams, all countries were represented by the Olympic teams. Italy won the gold medal.
Thirteen teams for U-23 took part in the tournament, 2 teams from Africa and 11 teams from Europe.
The 13 teams will be divided into four groups of three teams and one group of four teams. Teams are awarded three points for a win and one for a draw. No points are awarded for a defeat. The top sides in each group will advance to the semi-finals.
7 stadiums were allocated to host the matches.