The football associations of Scotland, Wales and Ireland have made it clear that they want no part in the Great Britain Olympic team. A recent release by the British Olympic Association stated that there was an 'historic agreement' reached for a fully-inclusive GB team for the 2012 Games and beyond but the Scottish Football Association (SFA), Football Association of Wales (FAW) and the Irish Football Association (IFA) have got together to oppose any such events in a bid to protect their respective identities.
"The Football Associations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland reiterate our collective opposition to Team GB participation at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, contrary to the media release issued by the British Olympic Association today," read the statement which was signed by SFA chief Stewart Regan, FAW boss Jonathan Ford and IFA's Patrick Nelson.
"We have been consistently clear in explaining the reason for our stance, principally to protect the identity of each national association. With that in mind, we cannot support nor formally endorse the approach that has been proposed by the Football Association.
"We have stressed this in communications to them and are disappointed that this has been ignored in the media release. No discussions took place with any of us, far less historic agreement been reached, prior to the statement from the BOA being released.
"The Associations are committed to supporting the individual Home Nations playing all representative football under their respective flags as independent members of Fifa and Uefa. This position has been endorsed by supporters of all Home Nations, who have been consulted throughout this process."
