Olympic Row: Will Great Britain Have Its Own Football Team At London 2012 Or Not?
Earlier today the British Olympic Association (BOA) announced that players from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would be eligible for selection to a Great Britain Olympic football team.
But the announcement was greeted with surprise by both the Scottish and Welsh FAs.
Scottish FA president George Peat said: "I am absolutely astounded that they have put out this statement. I know nothing about any such agreement and we want nothing to do with this tournament."
Welsh president Phil Pritchard said the FA had no right to speak on behalf of other associations. He denied that any conversation had taken place, saying "we have not discussed this at any time recently."
Jim Boyce, Britain's Fifa vice-president and former president of the Irish FA, said he knew nothing about the agreement.
He said: "The three associations have made it clear to me they will not be changing their decision about a British Olympic team."
Football officials in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have long been opposed to their players taking part in a British team as they fear that it could end up with global governing body Fifa not recognising them as independent football nations.
The statement from the BOA quoted FA general secretary Alex Horne as thanking other FAs for their "understanding", he said:
"We're delighted there will be football teams representing Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics.
"It's important as the host nation, football plays its part in what is sure to be a fantastic spectacle.
"We will look to confirm coaches of the men's and women's teams in due course to allow them to plan and prepare their squads for the games."
If a team GB was created history would be made during the London 2012 Olympic Games as it would be the first time in 52 years such a team would return to the pitch in men’s Olympic football and the first time ever a British women’s Olympic football team would ever play in the tournament.
Source: British Olympic Association, Sky, BBC
