21 Jun 2011

Row erupts over London 2012 GB football team

A British football team will compete at London 2012, according to the British Olympic Association. But the Scottish FA says it wants “nothing to do with the tournament”.

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A British football team will compete at London 2012 according to the British Olympic Association (Getty)

But the news has been greeted with anger by the Scottish and Welsh FAs which deny being part of any agreement.

The FA have no authority to speak on our behalf. Welsh FA president Phil Pritchard

Scottish Football Association (SFA) 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.”

The Scottish Government has released a statement saying it supports the SFA’s position.

Welsh FA president Phil Pritchard was equally furious, saying the FA had no right to speak on behalf of the other associations on Olympic matters.

Pritchard said: “We are not part of any agreement. The FA have no authority to speak on our behalf – they do not represent Wales whatsoever and that’s a fact. We have not discussed this at any time recently.”

There are still 1.7 million tickets available for football matches at London 2012.

Read more: 1.2m applicants for London 2012 left without tickets

‘Defining moment’

Ongoing rows about the nationality of the players and the strength of the individual national football associations had led to fears that Britain would not be able to field a team in the first home Olympics in 64 years.

BOA Chief Executive and Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt said: “Seeing Team GB take to the pitch in 2012 will be one of the defining moments of the London Olympic Games.

“It would be unthinkable to host the Olympic Games in Great Britain, home of the world’s most knowledgeable and passionate football fans, and not have Team GB represented in both men’s and women’s football.

“We are honoured to be working in close partnership with the FA, on behalf of all four football associations, to fulfil this historic opportunity. It has been a long six-year journey to get to this point, with very real considerations from the home nations that first had to be recognised, respected and resolved.

“We absolutely respect the participation of the home nations as individual nations at all other football events. 2012 is unique, we are hosting the Olympic Games, and what has been achieved is fantastic for all those who love sport and love to watch great football.

“I want to express my appreciation to all four football associations for their recognition of just how meaningful it will be for Team GB to compete in football in London 2012.”

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