The BBC has suggested that FIFA, the international body of football (soccer, for those American readers), is close to granting Great Britain permission to play as Great Britain in the 2012 Olympics (to be hosted in the UK).
In the past, British teams have not been allowed to compete in the Olympics because under FIFA rules the various football associations (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland) compete as separate identities. However, under olympic rules they have to compete under the same organization that attends the Olympics – the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. There hasn’t been a Great Britain football team since 1972.
This is exciting for many British football fans who’d love more opportunities to see their players compete in major competitions. However, there is a great deal of resistance from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland over this idea; despite the fact that not forming as Great Britain means no Olympics for them. Why? They are worried about protecting their own association identities and don’t want to see Great Britain soccer super cede their own organizations, especially as the English FA manages the Great Britain team. In addition, past Great Britain teams have often been predominately English. The last time Great Britain won an olympic medal after all was in the 1960 team of all Englishmen. The best English players tend to be better, and representation would likely be unequal in the eyes of these other football associations.
Regardless, I’d hope for nothing less than a Great Britain team at the Olympics. If there’s a football medal to be won, than the home of football ought to have a chance to claim it.
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