SFA continues stance against unified team

Published on Thursday 24 July 2008 23:16

THE Scottish Football Association has reiterated its stance against a British Olympic team after Lord Moynihan pledged there would definitely be one at the 2012 Games.

The British Olympic Association chairman yesterday backed Lord Coe's bid to persuade Sir Alex Ferguson to coach the team in London.

Coe, who is chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee, has already spoken to the Manchester United manager about the idea.

But the former Scotland manager would find himself picking a team of Englishmen if the football authorities in his home country, Wales and Northern Ireland maintain their stance.

The three associations are wary of the consequences for their independence within Fifa if a Great Britain side is formed for the under-23 tournament.

And SFA chief executive Gordon Smith has offered little room for manoeuvre.

"The Scottish FA's position on this issue remains the same – we are opposed to the concept of a British football team," Smith said.

"As we have said many times before, we feel that such a move would threaten the independent status of the home nations. Also, when we speak to our fan groups about this issue, they tell us that they are strongly opposed to the idea.

"As the governing body of football in this country, we will always do what is best for the sport here in Scotland."

"On a personal note, I feel that the Olympics should be the pinnacle of any sport and it is doubtful as to whether an age-restricted football competition in the Olympics would ever be able to rival the World Cup."

Meanwhile, Lord Moynihan confirmed he was behind Coe's choice of Ferguson as manager.

He said: "Seb Coe has strong views about who should be managing the men's team and I completely agree with him.

"It is an excellent idea and I am endorsing Sir Alex Ferguson, although should the FA find anyone with a comparable name, I should be equally delighted."

Moynihan made it clear he was disappointed young athletes from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would miss out on the experience of competing in China, but insisted Britain would be represented come what may.

He said: "Of course I am disappointed. We at the BOA would like to see every young athlete who has the opportunity to compete at the Olympic Games at the Games.

"However, I'm not annoyed. I understand the politics of this subject and appreciate that it is a very sensitive subject on which people have very differing views.

"But we will be sending a team in 2012 and we hope everyone in Great Britain will consider themselves eligible for selection."