FA's should unite for the fans at London 2012, says Coe

By Sportsbeat staff

LONDON 2012 chairman Seb Coe is still holding out hope that Great Britain United will lace up their boots in the Olympic football competition.

YESTERYEAR: The Great Britain football team that won gold at the 1908 Olympics - London 2012 will be the first time Great Britain has played Olympic football in more than 50 years

Great Britain will make their first Olympic football appearance in more than 50 years at London 2012 but at present the team will only be made up of English players.

Officials from the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland FA's remain totally opposed to supporting both the men's and women's team, as they believe it could jeopardise their unique autonomous status in world football.

"If you are asking me do I think the people in Great Britain want to see a Great Britain football team, I am hazarding a guess that they do," Lord Coe told BBC's Sportsweek.

"However, that is not really for me to decide - it is a matter for the British Olympic Association and the Football Association."

New Sports and Olympic Minister Hugh Robertson has asked the home unions to reconsider their decision but despite claims from Fifa president Sepp Blatter that fielding a team will not set a precedent for the World Cup, none appear willing to risk their status.

England coach Hope Powell is expected to take charge of the British women's team at London 2012, although Fabio Capello - whose contract expires after the 2012 European Championships a few weeks earlier - has shown no interest in the role.

New Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson remains the favourite for the job, which could be combined with club duties, although Anfield insiders are thought to be less than keen for him to miss crucial weeks of pre-season, with the Premier League delaying their kick-off until six days after the London 2012 closing ceremony.

Stuart Pearce, the current coach of the England under-21 team, is another in the frame for the role, with 15 of the 18-strong squad required to be under-23. And without club commitments, that could make his appointment less troublesome for the Football Association.

Earlier this month David Beckham - who played a major role in the 2012 bid and starred in the handover ceremony in Beijing - suggested he would like to be consider for one of the 'over-age' positions in the Great Britain team.

"If I'm still playing and I'm still considered to make a difference to the team I'd love to, but if not then I'm definitely going to be there anyway," he said.

"It's the east end of London - it's on my manor. To be part of getting the Olympics to the east end of London, it's one of the best experiences that I've ever had."