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22:24 GMT, Thursday, 11 September 2008 23:24 UK

Scots firm on GB team opposition

Scotland celebrate a Hampden win against Ukraine

SFA president George Peat insists there is no chance of a U-turn on Scottish players being considered for a GB Olympic football team in 2012.

"Some people are encouraging it, including the prime minister," Peat told BBC Sport.

"But I can tell you there is no intention whatsoever of us becoming part of team Great Britain.

"We made up our mind from day one that we didn't want any part of it and we will resist for as long as I'm here."

The governing body is opposed to the notion of a GB team, fearing the implications for their future as a separate footballing nation.

And it is a view shared by the authorities in Northern Ireland and Wales.

As a result Great Britain, the 1908 and 1912 champions, has not fielded a side since the 1964 Olympics.

The Football Association want a team at London 2012 even if it does not have the backing of the other home nations and Fifa president Sepp Blatter has said he would have no problem if such a team consisted of 11 England players.

Blatter has, over the years, sent out mixed messages on the subject.

On a visit to Gleneagles in March, for the International Football Association Board meeting, Blatter said he was opposed to the idea of team from all the home nations.

And Peat claimed that Blatter had asked him what to say on the subject.

"I made it perfectly clear we were not in favour - and he (Blatter) took that line when he was in Scotland," added Peat. "It was a different story when he moved on.

"What people have to remember is that Sepp Blatter is unlikely to be in the position he is in by the time 2012 comes round.

"And, at the end of the day, Sepp Blatter doesn't make the decisions, they are made by the Fifa executive board, and that could be completely different by the time it comes round.

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Are Scotland right to oppose a GB team?
"We will do nothing to encourage the argument that we should be part of a team GB."

Peat scoffed at the idea of a Home International play-off to decide which nation went on to play in London.

He also raised other issues with the event, pointing out: "It's an under-23 tournament; the only sport where there is an age limit - why is that?

"And it will take place during the season, so clubs wouldn't be happy releasing players at that time."

Former Scotland manager Craig Brown applauded Peat's stance, telling BBC Sport: "We must oppose a GB team.

"It's the thin edge of the wedge. If we go as GB, you'll find there will be no Scotland in years to come. They will quickly get rid of us and it will be a GB team for the World Cup and European Championship."



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Related to this story:

Uefa chief warns against GB team (28 Aug 08 |  Internationals )
Ferguson wanted for GB 2012 role (25 Aug 08 |  Football )
Salmond rejects UK football team (25 Aug 08 |  Scotland )
Why is there no GB Olympic football team? (05 Aug 08 |  Football )
Blatter against British 2012 team (09 Mar 08 |  Football )
Government backs GB football team (04 Mar 08 |  Football )
Home nations dispute GB 2012 team (30 Oct 07 |  Football )

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