By Phil Blanche
Wales could be back trying to pick their way through the minefield of Olympic football participation again during the lead in to 2028.
British Olympic Association bosses hope to field a men’s football team at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
The BOA is planning talks with the Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to recreate a Team GB men’s football side following the success of the Paris Olympics.
The FAW went through agonies in the build-up to the London Games of 2012, when a men’s team was put together that included Welsh players – such as Craig Bellamy and Ryan Giggs – even though the association claimed it would jeopardise their future as an independent national team.
https://twitter.com/philblanche/status/1823029003902427634
Team GB women’s squad have been able to qualify for the Olympics, but did not make it through to Paris 2024.
BOA chief executive Andy Anson said on the possible participation of a Team GB men’s side: “I think it would be brilliant for football, for youth football, and for football in general.
“I think for the women’s team to compete is brilliant, and I’d love to see the men’s team compete in the same way.”
Great Britain won men’s football gold at the 1900, 1908 and 1912 Games and competed in all Olympic tournaments from 1948 through to 1972.
Plans to resurrect a GB men’s team were met with resistance by Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, who felt their independence in FIFA and UEFA tournaments would be under threat if they competed as a single entity in the Olympics.
https://twitter.com/FIFAMuseum/status/1822010830273081763
A Team GB men’s squad – consisting of 13 English and five Welsh players – did compete in what was viewed as a one-off for the London Olympics in 2012.
The side, which included current Wales boss Bellamy, was managed by Stuart Pearce and beaten at the quarter-final stage on penalties by South Korea.
Britain fielded a women’s side at London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, but were not in Paris as England – who, as the highest-ranked nation, were responsible for Team GB’s qualification – failed to make the latter stages of the Nations League.
https://twitter.com/brfootball/status/1694321442970595723
As well as the BOA facing potential opposition from the home Associations, clubs could oppose their players being released to play Olympic football during an increasingly congested calendar.
The LA Olympics will take place between July 14-30, 2028, the Games starting within days of the final of Euro 2028 at Wembley and a few weeks before the new domestic season.
Spain added Olympic gold to their European Championship title in Paris by beating France 5-3 in the final after extra time.
Say NO to a GB Olympic football team at 2028 Games @FAWales https://t.co/F54uz56znB
— Wales@TheUnitedNations (@WalesAtTheUN) August 13, 2024
