England football team get go-ahead to represent Great Britain at Olympics

An all-English football team could represent Britain at the London 2012 Olympics after the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish football associations agreed not to block the idea.

Rob Shorthouse, the Scottish Football Association's head of communications, said: "The four home associations have met. The proposal to let England go it alone has now been put forward to Fifa for their consideration and that will be discussed at the Fifa Congress next week."

The long-running wrangles over fielding a British squad for the London Olympics has been a hot political issue as the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish football associations fear it could threaten their independence.

A joint letter from the four associations was sent to Fifa this morning saying Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would have no involvement in the Olympic tournament but would not prevent an England team from doing so.

The deal will have to be ratified by Fifa before it is officially confirmed.

Mr Shorthouse said: "The fundamental point to make is the Scottish FA will not be changing its stance on Team GB.

"We're absolutely against the four nations playing in a unified team, so Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland's stance hasn't changed."

The SFA were furious last week with FA chairman Lord Triesman, accusing him of breaking an agreement for the issue to remain confidential until a deal was signed.

The SFA feels there has been a need to change their stance to help sort out the issue of a British football team for 2012 once and for all.
It is understood that just saying 'no' all the time could do more harm than good to the individual football associations.

Mr Shorthouse said: "We're acknowledging there's very little we can do to stop them going forward.

"We're acknowledging the fact that England are of a mind to put a team forward for the London 2012 Olympics.

"Our view and the view we will be expressing to the football family around the world is that it's Team GB only in name because Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will not be involved."

The Fifa executive committee will meet on Monday.

Mr Shorthouse said: "A letter has gone to them saying the English would like to take part.

"Regardless of that, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would not be a part of Team GB."

On the likelihood of Fifa rejecting this proposal, Mr Shorthouse said: "They want it sorted every bit as much as we do. As far as they're concerned, it's an ideal situation.

"There'll be a team, and the row goes away."