Football Team GB

[thetank]

Only just read this thread

Would like to offer hearty congratularions to Scottish Dave and Shoelace Dave. Both legends imo 

[AndrewT]

From the BBC "A Great Britain football team will play at the 2012 Olympics even if it is made up entirely of English players, sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe has insisted."

Get in!

 

 [  ] Labour ministers will have a say in anything happening in 2012.

  [X]   Can't think the tories will have a different stance.

I don't think it's even a political decision at all - it's between the IOC and the football associations.

[Rod Paradise]

From the BBC "A Great Britain football team will play at the 2012 Olympics even if it is made up entirely of English players, sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe has insisted."

Get in!

 

 [  ] Labour ministers will have a say in anything happening in 2012.

  [X]   Can't think the tories will have a different stance.

I don't think it's even a political decision at all - it's between the IOC and the football associations.

With Fifa, the Scottish, Welsh & Northern Irish FA's all against it I've a funny feeling this may yet not happen. And FIFA is pretty strong on banning any country whose government interferes in football.

[Indestructable]

Rod, I don't want to claim you are wrong, but can you quote where you have a comment regarding FIFA being against it. My understanding is that they have no problem with it. Would be interested to know.

The LIb Dems (don't count much) but think there is still a possibilty of a unified team but that firmer assurances are needed from FIFA to allay concerns of individual nations. Although to be honest i think this is a waste of time as the individual nations would not believe anything verbally, written or in blood!

[Rod Paradise]

Rod, I don't want to claim you are wrong, but can you quote where you have a comment regarding FIFA being against it. My understanding is that they have no problem with it. Would be interested to know.

The LIb Dems (don't count much) but think there is still a possibilty of a unified team but that firmer assurances are needed from FIFA to allay concerns of individual nations. Although to be honest i think this is a waste of time as the individual nations would not believe anything verbally, written or in blood!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/mar/01/fifa-sepp-blatter-england-scotland-ireland-wales-fa-home-nations

I'd imagine large parts of FIFA would be for it - as there's lots of places who want to do away with the special status of the Home Nations.

FIFA's stance against Government interference in football is pretty much common knowledge, any sign of it & countires and clubs are banned.

[fatshaft]

From the BBC "A Great Britain football team will play at the 2012 Olympics even if it is made up entirely of English players, sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe has insisted."

Get in!

 

YEs get in indeed, bye bye International football then if it does happen. 

Rod, I don't want to claim you are wrong, but can you quote where you have a comment regarding FIFA being against it. My understanding is that they have no problem with it. Would be interested to know.

The LIb Dems (don't count much) but think there is still a possibilty of a unified team but that firmer assurances are needed from FIFA to allay concerns of individual nations. Although to be honest i think this is a waste of time as the individual nations would not believe anything verbally, written or in blood!

Blatter says no.....http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/sport-news/sportfeed/2009/03/01/scotland-could-lose-its-footballing-independence-if-they-agree-to-join-gb-olympic-team-says-fifa-78057-21162785/

Peat said: "Mr Blatter told us at an informal function held by the Irish government if we agreed to be part of Team GB our position would be in jeopardy.

[Indestructable]

Interesting, although I was really after a statement from Sebb Blatter of FIFA rather than a report of a conversation at a function. As none of the others want to take part, looks like it is Team GB (England) 

[Josedinho]

England = Team GB

Edit: A wise man once said [ ] Olympic football is real football

[Rod Paradise]

Means I can get more use out of my A.B.E. tshirt I suppose.....

[Indestructable]

It's a shame that a lot of the people involved in Scotland/Wales Northern Ireland don't care about their players and are still banding the complete tosh that is "if we have a team GB then Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland will no longer have a team" that the fans have fallen for, but such is life.
Roll on 2012. 

[fatshaft]

It's a shame that a lot of the people involved in Scotland/Wales Northern Ireland don't care about their players and are still banding the complete tosh that is "if we have a team GB then Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland will no longer have a team" that the fans have fallen for, but such is life.
Roll on 2012. 

Don't you mean - that Blatter has warned them about? If you're going to stick your head in the sand, don't criticise those who live in the real world.

What other possible reason would the other home nations have for not getting involved?

[Indestructable]

It's a shame that a lot of the people involved in Scotland/Wales Northern Ireland don't care about their players and are still banding the complete tosh that is "if we have a team GB then Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland will no longer have a team" that the fans have fallen for, but such is life.
Roll on 2012. 

Don't you mean - that Blatter has warned them about? If you're going to stick your head in the sand, don't criticise those who live in the real world.

What other possible reason would the other home nations have for not getting involved?

Mainly down to anti English feelings to be honest, although a few politicians have made a few votes out of it by persuading people what a bad idea it was. Again a shame for any young Scottish/Welsh/NI players as this may be there only chance of playing in a major tournament.
I was thinking today why do some people support the British Lions, but are against a Team GB? 

[Rod Paradise]

It's a shame that a lot of the people involved in Scotland/Wales Northern Ireland don't care about their players and are still banding the complete tosh that is "if we have a team GB then Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland will no longer have a team" that the fans have fallen for, but such is life.
Roll on 2012. 

Don't you mean - that Blatter has warned them about? If you're going to stick your head in the sand, don't criticise those who live in the real world.

What other possible reason would the other home nations have for not getting involved?

Mainly down to anti English feelings to be honest, although a few politicians have made a few votes out of it by persuading people what a bad idea it was. Again a shame for any young Scottish/Welsh/NI players as this may be there only chance of playing in a major tournament.
I was thinking today why do some people support the British Lions, but are against a Team GB? 

Think you missed out the IMO in your first point.

Possibly the answer to your question is that the British Lions aren't the British Lions, but in fact are the British and Irish Lions & as such don't jeopardise the future status of the individual home nations.

[fatshaft]

It's a shame that a lot of the people involved in Scotland/Wales Northern Ireland don't care about their players and are still banding the complete tosh that is "if we have a team GB then Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland will no longer have a team" that the fans have fallen for, but such is life.
Roll on 2012. 

Don't you mean - that Blatter has warned them about? If you're going to stick your head in the sand, don't criticise those who live in the real world.

What other possible reason would the other home nations have for not getting involved?

Mainly down to anti English feelings to be honest, although a few politicians have made a few votes out of it by persuading people what a bad idea it was. Again a shame for any young Scottish/Welsh/NI players as this may be there only chance of playing in a major tournament.
I was thinking today why do some people support the British Lions, but are against a Team GB? 

OMG Indy, this has NOTHING to do with politicians, why do you think it has? Coe is certainly trying to curry support for the Olympics by including football, and that is the ONLY rreason he wants football in the games, in direct contrast ot the home nation FAs (england excepted) who are aware of FIFA's stance on the matter.

That is why fans as well as the national associations are against it, there is abigger picture, than having a team play in  nothing tournament at under age level.

Surely your last line is self explanatory? In rugby not only has historically there been a GB (& Ire) team, but there are less than a couple of dozen rugby paying nations wordlwide, there is no-one clamouring for the foure home nations to unify for all games like there is for football.

Why are supporters of team GB, so willing to put our national identies at risk, for a non-event?

[Indestructable]

But having the Lions doesn't prevent having national teams in Rugby so why not in football?

Just been looking up the history of the Lions which started over a century ago. Maybe in another century we will look back and say what was the fuss about Team GB.

Know I am flogging a dead horse, just feel it is a shame we can't work together to overcome obstacles.