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Great Britain in Olympic Football

Team Great Britain in Olympic Football have more player choice
Apparently, the Football Associations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have written to FIFA to confirm that they are happy for a Great Britain team to be fielded, provided only English players are selected.

"I think the English are going to go it alone," Scottish FA spokesman Rob Shorthouse is quoted as saying by the BBC.

Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have been wary of allowing Great Britain to be represented as they fear they it could threaten their independence as separate footballing nations.

"FIFA had asked us to come to some sort of common decision amongst the four home nations by the end of this week - so that, when the FIFA congress meets next week, this deal was all done and dusted," Shorthouse continued.

"We have not been able to come to a common agreement because England want to take part and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland don't.
"Our stance has not changed. We will not be taking part in Team Great Britain.
"England do want to go ahead. They are under unique pressure with the Olympics being in their home country.
"The debate is around whether we make a real issue about England going alone.
"So, over the past week or so, while we have been having discussion with the home nations, we have also been speaking to people around the world and just trying to take the temperature of people and what they think of England fielding a team by themselves.

"The word that is coming back is that we should let them do that.
"We have to preserve our independent status as a member of FIFA. We are sticking to our guns.
However, it seems that there should be a men's and women's under-23 team for the Olympics. Rules also allow three players aged 24 and over to compete.

An official announcement is expected to be made at the FIFA Congress which is being held between June 2 - June 3.