Blatter against British Olympic team

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Blatter said playing combined men's and women's team would risk the four British associations losing their separate identities and special privileges in football.

Blatter told PA Sport: "Looking at the situation of 2012, I have had a discussion with the Scottish FA leadership and they have said they would not play in a combined team. I said that is the best thing for them to do."

He added: "If you start to put together a combined team for the Olympic Games the question will automatically come up that there are four different associations so how can they play in one team?

"If this is the case then why do they have four associations and four votes and their own vice-presidency?

"This will put into question all the privileges that the British associations have been given by the Congress in 1946."

His comments will come as a shattering blow to British Olympics chiefs who have been trying to persuade the reluctant Scottish and Welsh FAs to allow players to take part in a combined 2012 team - the English and Northern Irish associations had been in favour.

Blatter added: "They should choose a solution which will not harm these privileges and they should enter only a team composed of players from England.

"This will then not provoke a long and endless discussion on the four British associations.

"There's no reason to change something that has been established for 62 years but you cannot have your cake and eat it. There is no danger of [losing those privileges] so long as you don't overdo it."