GB team to get FIFA approval

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.

The issue is to be discussed by FIFA's executive committee in Tokyo and the game's ruling powers are expected to rule in favour of a British team taking part.

A source close to FIFA told PA Sport: "The executive committee are certain to rule in favour of a Great Britain team - but only for London 2012, not beyond."

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has already expressed his desire to have the hosts represented at the London Games - and is happy for all the players to be English if the other home nations do not want to take part.

The one FIFA figure who might have opposed the move, FIFA vice-president Jack Warner from Trinidad and Tobago, looks unlikely to do so. He told PA Sport: "I remain open on this matter."

By 2012, it will be 52 years since a British football team has participated in the Olympics. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are fearful that taking part in 2012 would threaten their ability to compete in future international tournaments as separate teams.

FIFA's support for a British team has seen general secretary Jerome Valcke meet Jim Murphy, the secretary of state for Scotland, to assure him that a British team would not threaten the separate identities.

However UEFA president Michel Platini has said he understands the three home nations' opposition, while Scotland's former FIFA vice-president David Will has also warned against taking part.

Meanwhile FIFA have responded to a complaint by Christine Grahame, a member of the Scottish Parliament, that the Government have been interfering in football by campaigning for a British Olympic team.

A FIFA spokesman said: "The subject of a Great Britain team at the London 2012 Olympics is on the agenda for the FIFA executive committee meeting to be held in Tokyo. We did receive a letter from Christine Grahame and have replied to her that the subject of a British Olympic team will be discussed this week."