• London Olympics 2012

BOA agrees with FA for Team GB football team

Gareth Bale could line up alongside Wayne Rooney © Getty Images

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The British Olympic Association has reached an historic agreement with the Football Association for a Team GB side to compete in both the men's and women's football competitions at London 2012.

Tuesday's news means Great Britain will enter a men's Olympic football team for the first time in 52 years, while the women's XI will make a debut appearance in the competition.

The Football Associations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have shown resistance to the idea during previous negotiations, holding fears for their autonomy and national independence in other FIFA-sanctioned tournaments.

However, those three nations, alongside England, will form a Team GB side, creating the possibility for Gareth Bale to play alongside Wayne Rooney or David Beckham.

FA General Secretary Alex Horne said: "We're delighted there will be football teams representing Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics.

"It's important as the host nation, football plays its part in what is sure to be a fantastic spectacle.

"We are pleased that the team will be selected from players across the home nations and I'd like to thank our counterparts at the Welsh, Irish and Scottish FAs for their understanding on what is a difficult issue.

"We will look to confirm coaches of the men's and women's teams in due course to allow them to plan and prepare their squads for the games."

The men's team will feature 18 players - 15 of whom will be Under-23, in addition to three 'open age' players. The women's team will also be comprised of 18 players, but there are no age restrictions.

BOA Chief Executive and Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt said: "Seeing Team GB take to the pitch in 2012 will be one of the defining moments of the London Olympic Games. It would be unthinkable to host the Olympic Games in Great Britain, home of the world's most knowledgeable and passionate football fans, and not have Team GB represented in both men's and women's football.

"We are honoured to be working in close partnership with The FA, on behalf of all four Football Associations, to fulfil this historic opportunity. It has been a long, six-year journey to get to this point, with very real considerations from the Home Nations that first had to be recognised, respected and resolved.

"We absolutely respect the participation of the Home Nations as individual nations at all other football events; 2012 is unique, we are hosting the Olympic Games and what has been achieved is fantastic for all those who love sport and love to watch great football. I want to express my appreciation to all four Football Associations for their recognition of just how meaningful it will be for Team GB to compete in football in London 2012."

Great Britain has won three medals - all gold - in Olympic competition: 1900 Paris, 1908 London and 1912 Stockholm. Next year's games will see 16 teams take part in the men's competition and 12 in the women's tournament event.

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