Home Nations could lose their independence

Sepp Blatter has indicated that if the 4 Home Nations compete in the 2012 Olympics with a unified team they could lose their status. Scottish FA president George Peat has claimed that Blatter told him to steer clear of competing in the Olympics .

The Irish,Scottish and Welsh Associations are opposed to the Britain team and view risking their respective teams for Olympic glory as too high a price to pay.

Peat said on www.sportinglife.com

"Mr Blatter told us at an informal function that, if we agreed to be part of Team GB, our position would be in jeopardy.

"My immediate reaction was one of surprise. I glanced over at the English table and their two guys, Lord Triesman and Sir David Richards, just looked at each other.

"David Will, who was FIFA vice-president for 15 years, has always told us on no account to get involved.

"(UEFA general secretary) David Taylor says the same thing. So we're viewing this as a serious warning."

The SFA wrote to the British Olympic Commitee letting their opposition to it known in writing. It was a joint letter with the Welsh and IFA also stating their opposition.

Peat Added

"(FA chairman) Lord Triesman has told us we've upset the Olympic committee with our letter but that doesn't make any difference to us or our stance on the issue.

"We're not going to change our opinion."