Fifa Officially Supports A GB Team For 2012

After FIFA president Sepp Blatter voiced his intention to support a GB football team, the governing body has made it official, announcing its full support for the formation of the team to play in London 2012.

The announcement comes after a strong voice of opposition by the Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Football Associations, which insisted a GB team would have a negative affect on their ability to play as separate countries in other international competitions.

FIFA has insisted these concerns are unnecessary, but Scotland in particular has remained steadfast in its opposition, launching a protest petition led by former Scotland manager Craig Brown.

Now that FIFA has announced its support of a GB team for 2012, the ultimate decision will be made by the four individual football associations.

While the opposition from Scotland has been strong, some of the country’s leaders are supportive of a collective team, Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown reportedly being two of them.

The four football associations are expected to report their decision to FIFA by March.