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English Football Association Wants British Team At 2016 Rio Olympics

A combined British football team "could take part in next year's Rio de Janeiro Olympics" after the FA signaled its intent to enter the qualification process, according to Martyn Herman of REUTERS. At London 2012 Britain "fielded a unified football team managed by the FA, after a 52-year absence, although at the time it was seen as a one-off move to mark the home Games." The British Olympic Association said on Tuesday that "the FA had confirmed its desire to send a team to Brazil." A BOA spokesperson said, "We have received confirmation from the FA of their intention to enter into the qualification process for Rio 2016 for both men and women's tournaments" (REUTERS, 3/3). In London, Ben Rumsby wrote the FA "has dramatically reversed its decision to scrap the British men’s side." But the proposed about-turn has angered the FA of Wales and Irish FA, "which have taken umbrage at the FA informing them of its intention to enter a team at Rio 2016 without consulting them first." If opposition from other home nations is vehement enough, it could also influence FIFA "when they decide whether or not to ratify the presence of GB teams in Rio." The Scottish FA "was less antagonistic" toward the FA’s plans, although that is "likely to be because it will maintain its position of non-engagement" on the concept of Team GB, which it adopted prior to London 2012 (TELEGRAPH, 3/2). The BBC reported both GB teams "would have to qualify" and FIFA would also have to sanction the move. Several players from the home nations played for GB at the London 2012 Games despite Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland "refusing to give their official backing." In a statement, the Irish FA said, "The Irish FA has not changed its position from before. The association was of the understanding that participation at the London Olympics was a one off. The Irish FA believes that, when playing, our players should play in a Northern Ireland shirt" (BBC, 3/3). SKY SPORTS' Bryan Swanson reported the FA Board "has been asked by other British associations to formally explain its position." It "is understood that Scotland and Northern Ireland have joined Wales in their condemnation of the FA's plans." The SFA and Irish FA "have yet to comment on the FA's intention, but officials are understood to be surprised that the FA has 'moved the goalposts' after previously indicating they would not enter a men's team" (SKY SPORTS, 3/3).

THE FINAL SAY: In London, Owen Gibson wrote the FA "holds the final say over whether to enter a British team because it acts as the national governing body representative" for the BOA, having been a founder member in 1908. One "intriguing sub-plot" may surround whether or not the manager of the side, most likely to be Gareth Southgate if it qualifies, would opt to pick Real Madrid's Gareth Bale or other overage players that may cause issues with their clubs. Some clubs "may also have concerns over releasing players due to commitments with close season overseas tours" (GUARDIAN, 3/2). Also in London, Oliver Kay wrote the FAW feels that the FA has taken the decision -- based on a desire to foster greater tournament experience at youth level -- "without approval." This "comes at a time when relations between the two associations have already been strained" by the FA’s endorsement of former ManU CEO David Gill for a place on the FIFA exec committee. The prospect of a Great Britain football team in Rio -- should it qualify -- "will be warmly welcomed within the women’s game" after its involvement at London 2012, when it beat Brazil in front of 70,584 at Wembley, "proved a catalyst to an upturn in interest" (LONDON TIMES, 3/3). The PA reported FA of Wales President Trefor Lloyd Hughes said that "he is livid about the Olympics but does not think the Welsh FA can block the move." Lloyd Hughes said, "I am absolutely gutted with the English FA -- very, very disappointed. If they want to work with us they have to be more open with us and they don’t seem to be keeping to agreements. I’m livid about it. As far as the Olympics is concerned it was not long ago that they said London 2012 was just a one-off. Now it appears they have decided on their own to enter a team without discussing it with us" (PA, 3/3).

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