Blatter again supports Britain's 2012 football team

SEPP BLATTER has underlined his support for a British football team at London 2012 - although he claimed regular appearances at the Olympics could pose a long-term problem.

The FIFA president, speaking at his pre-Games press conference in Beijing, tried to ease the fears of the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland FA's, who fear a unified team in four years might effect their independent status within the world governing body.

But he also claimed he'd have no problem with an English only team, selected by the Football Association, representing Team GB in both the men's and women's competitions, which will be played at venues across the United Kingdom.

'It is a unique problem," said Blatter.

"They have four individual associations, they have one Olympic association. There is another problem there because the four British associations have to put in one team, which would be called Great Britain.

"The first Olympic Games after the second World War were organised in London. There was a British football team there. Therefore, also in 2012 there will be a British team. For us it is not important if the players are all from England."

Meanwhile, Blatter has confirmed FIFA will tighten up their regulations after club v country rows overshadowed the build-up to the 16-team Olympic tournament, which begins on Wednesday with games across China.

At present the Olympic Games is an under-23 tournament, although each team has the option to field three over age players.

All Premier League clubs have released their players but Barcelona have appealed to the Court of Arbitration in Sport to prevent star midfielder Lionel Messi joining up with defending champions Argentina.

They are being backed in that bid by Bundesliga teams Werder Bremen and Schalke, who claim they will lose valuable players for early season matches.

"In the future I think it is necessary we have an exact and precise ruling," said Blatter.

'It has been decided for 2012 to avoid any misunderstandings and problems that the whole item of the presence of football in the Olympic Games shall be discussed immediately after the conclusion of the 2008 Olympic Games, together with the IOC."

JAMES TONEY in Beijing