Within minutes of the British Olympic Association (BOA) claiming an "historic agreement" had been reached for a Team GB side to compete in both the men's and women's football competitions at London 2012, the Scottish FA has released a statement denying any knowledge of an agreement.
The Football Association of Scotland, along with those of Wales and Northern Ireland, has been resistant to the move and only on Monday a statement was released claiming the stance had not changed.So it came as a surprise when the BOA and English FA released a statement claiming an agreement had been reached to raise the prospect of Gareth Bale, Jack Wilshere and David Beckham playing in the same team.
But it would appear the gun may have been jumped as the Scottish FA has insisted its stance has not changed.
Former
SFA president George Peat said: "I am absolutely astounded. I know nothing about any such agreement. We want nothing to do with this tournament."
The Welsh FA (FAW) has also reaffirmed its opposition to its players' inclusion in Team GB's football side.
Welsh FA president Phil Pritchard: '
'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.''
A joint statement from the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish associations confirmed their opposition to the Olympic teams and their disappointment at the BOA's announcement.
The statement, signed by SFA chief executive Regan, FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford and IFA chief executive Patrick Nelson says:
"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."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.''
[ 本文被麥精在2011-06-22 22:00重新編輯 ]
