BOA Close To Deal For GB Football Team To Appear At London 2012

The British Olympic Association (BOA) is close to an agreement to enter a British football team at London 2012.

BOA chief executive Andy Hunt said he is "incredibly positive that we will get a [British] men's and women's football team" at the Olympics.

Hunt told Inside the Games there remain "some final things to resolve."

But a Scottish Football Association spokesman said: "Our position hasn't changed and, as far as we're concerned, the status quo will remain."

The Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish Football Associations have expressed opposition about such a team but cannot legally stop players competing.

"Legally, we couldn't stand in any player's way if it was their wish, nor would we stand in their way if that's what they wanted," added the SFA spokesman. "But, when the players were asked about it during our preparations for the friendly with Brazil in March, not one noted an interest."

An English-only football team may also be in breach of International Olympic Committee rules on discrimination, Hunt warned.

The non-English FAs have been hesitant over plans for a British football team.

They expressed concerns that it could lead to the formation of a permanent British side and that they might lose their representation on the International FA board.

The BOA has left management of the GB team with the English FA and it appears likely that the bulk of the squad will be formed by the current England Under-21s.

But if agreement is reached then a British team at the 2012 Games could include Wales internationals Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale, while older players could also feature.

Olympic football squads are allowed three players over the age of 23.

David Beckham has already shown his willingnessbacked a British Olympic football team for 2012 and said that he would "love to be part of it".