I see Septimus Blatterus has indicated that he'd endorse a team representing GB (and presumably NI) in the 2004 Olympics. Is this the thin end of the wedge to deny Aaron Hughes, Gary Speed et al international recognition? I mean, would any non-English players make the squad?? ;-)

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

Answers

Auntie's Pages

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

An Olympic GB team would mainly be under 23 players so it's quite possible that there would be some non English Players. But as for a World Cup GB team, I think it would probably be the current England team plus Giggs.

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

How about the British and Irish Footballing Lions...

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

Who would be the mane players? Would they have enough bite?

Kegsy - is the 23 age a limit for Olympic Soccer??

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

Screacher, as far as I'm aware a yeam is allowed 3 (I think) overaged players but the rest of the team/squad is made up of players under 23 years old. I also think that there is a qualifying system like the world cup.

There was a lot of coverage of the Olympic football last year as Japan qualified and did quite well I think.

-- Anonymous, July 17, 2001

wouldn't it be nice if the Olympics were amateur competition :-((

-- Anonymous, July 17, 2001

It would be good to see a Brit team in the Olympics but there is no way a British team could play in the World Cup. The Scot's and Welsh FA's value their independence and in a wider sense the move in Scotland is towards political indepedence. A pity - I think I'd have a stronger affinity for a British team than I have for England, and a British team would make it that bit more ridiculous to play all the home games in London.

-- Anonymous, July 17, 2001

Blatter's hidden agenda has always been the reduction of British sides playing international/European football. This would be the tip of the iceberg.

-- Anonymous, July 17, 2001

Hate to agree with a makem, but I suspect you're right. Fanny's motive is always leaning towards his agenda to make the World Cup a biannual event. With four home nations (five incl Rep Ireland) reduced to one in the international calendar, the joint GB FA might be more persuaded to join his cause and lobby UEFA.

Fanny Blatter must be stopped!

-- Anonymous, July 17, 2001