Joint SFA, WFA and IFA Press Statement with regards to Team GB

Written by Smithy on January 31st, 2009

Mr J. Valcke,
Secretary General,
FIFA,
FIFA-Strasse 20,
PO Box 8044
Zurich,
Switzerland.

28th January, 2009
Dear Jérôme,

Further to your letter of 14th January, we would like to issue a joint statement regarding the proposal of participation in the 2012 Olympic Games under a unified banner of “Team GB”.

We are all autonomous entities within World football and each association competes in all International tournaments under our own identities of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. This applies to World Cups and European Championships at football level and of course down through the various age groups. It is our considered opinion that the Olympic Games does not give each of us, respectfully and jointly, the same rights or privileges we are presently afforded by FIFA and UEFA in respect of autonomous representation. Therefore, we cannot view the Olympic Games as being a bona fide football tournament.

In addition to the foregoing, we would like to further clarify our position regarding football in the Olympic Games:-

1. The Olympic Games involves many different events but one common factor that should prevail is that participation and success in the Games should be the pinnacle for the sport in question. This is certainly the case with track and field, gymnastics, cycling, rowing and swimming. However, in football this is certainly not the case. The World Cup and European Championships are regarded as the major tournaments. It is our opinion that football should not be an Olympic event.

2. Our contention that football is not, and should not be, considered a serious Olympic event is substantiated by the fact that it is designated as an Under 23 contest. We consider that this not only de-values the involvement of football in the Olympic Games but it also means that a discriminatory element is introduced to the event. No other sport has an age-related qualifying element. We feel that this, in itself, is an unacceptable regulatory inclusion.

3. The Olympic Games takes place in August. This appears to take no account of the fact that the football season has already begun and that clubs would be materially inconvenienced with the loss of called-up players. At this time, it is not known which players would be required. However, it is easy to anticipate the reaction there would be from club coaches who would lose players at a time when they had vital matches to fulfil. This may even include crucial European qualifying matches.

For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to take this opportunity to formally re-iterate that we will not participate in a “Team GB” in the 2012 Olympic Games. Furthermore, we categorically state that we do not think that football should be an Olympic event. However, as it is so classified, we do not believe there is a justification for there being a Great Britain team participating therein. Our common stance is unwavering. Moreover, our supporters’ organisations have all made it clear that we have their total backing in this respect.

In view of the above, we do not believe there would be any merit in a meeting to discuss this matter further.

Yours sincerely,

GEORGE W PEAT RAYMOND KENNEDY PETER REES
PRESIDENT PRESIDENT PRESIDENT
SCOTTISH FA IRISH FA WELSH FA

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