Ryan Nelsen to play at the Olympics · Yellow Fever Nga Wana Kowhai

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/football/7067642.stm

- "We will field a team," British Olympic Association chief Simon Clegg told BBC One's Inside Sport.

- "Whilst the English and the Northern Irish have been supportive, the FA of Wales and the Scottish FA have never even attended the meetings." Simon Clegg - BOA.

- "All the players who are registered under the association or are Scottish international players would be prohibited from playing." Gordon Smith SFA

It also says that Northern Ireland have joined the Welsh and Scots in opposing the idea.

Interesting that whilst not given as a quote, the article said that Blatter said Fifa would not be concerned if every player came from one national association and played under the Great Britain name.

In a Telegraph article from March (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/03/10/ufncoe110.xml) Blatter is quoted as saying, "They should enter only a team composed of players from England." I think that's probably Blatter reacting to the other three nations not wanting to play along. Then again, Blatter has at different times said that a combined team would only be allowed if we combine for World Cups etc and then later retracted that and said it would be okay as a one-off. And people wonder why the Scots, Welsh and NI FAs have all said they don't want to endanger their status when Blatter changes his mind on the issue.

james dean wrote:

Clubs have to release U23 players for the olympics, whether there is a UK FA or not. If it goes ahead it will be with the backing of each of the respective FAs so releasing the players doesn't appear to be the issue. Getting agreement on how the team will be selected etc will be more difficult. As I said above it's 4 years ahead, I'm sure it's barely registered in most fans conciousness. But to answer your question, I'm sure most fans would be behind the idea, partly because of the novelty factor and also because it is a tournament played at home. In fact, if it went well, I can see it being huge! Of course it could be a complete flop.

Yes, there is a legal obligation to release an U23 player to represent their national team if selected. In this instance there is no legislation to cover the situation. If the FAs finally agree to do it, then they could face a challenge from the clubs over selection. Still, mid-July to early-August - it could miss the beginning of the domestic season, though it would clash with the qualifying stages of the Champions League and come immediately on the back of a European Championships. With the big four in particular, expect a legal challenge to any desire to select their players.

I took a look round other forums and found more opposition than support, though to be fair most of the discussions seem to be taking place in Scottish football forums - and there are some very anti-feelings there! Especially on the Hearts forum (must mention that to Kiwi Jambo when I see him tomorrow).

If it went well? I guess that depends on whether we would win. Personally, I think England or Scotland on their own might stand more chance than an enforced coalition. It will be a select XI rather than a team, though I would expect them to have a proper preparation schedule to try and get round that.

You're absolutely right when you say the selection process will be difficult. Would there be a quota to ensure all home nations have minimum representation (not used in the other sports) or would it be a straight merit pick. What if that leaves, for example, no-one from Wales. The Welsh would actively support whoever was playing against the UK!