UK Olympic Football: My Vote is for Playoffs

Serious question Ian: How and why would the GBR Olympic team affect Scottish football’s independence? I’m asking because most Scottish fans seem to take it as fact that it would, whereas I feel like a one off team for a one off Olympics would be just that: a one off.

Not looking to start an argument, because I appreciate that a lot of Scots feel this way, but I’m wondering what the rationale behind it is.

For example, do fans suspect FIFA will use it as evidence in their argument for a permanent GBR team? My feeling is that all the home nation FAs are too established to be under any real threat.

Serious answer, then, or as close as I can manage. A lot of Scots do believe that this is part of a longer-term move toward a permanent GB team. It sets a precedent, and it may be a bit paranoid – I’ll admit that – but considering the risk versus the gain, I just don’t see it being worth it. 136 years of history is worth a bit of paranoia to protect.

There is also an issue beyond the threat of unification into a GB team, and that’s the state of the Scottish independence movement. A lot of Scots see the country moving away from Britain and closer and closer to true independence (devolved government, the SNP in power, etc). This feels like a bit of a step backward. Then there’s some Scots’ opinions of the London Olympics themselves (which they feel they help pay for with little of the benefits).

Again, I’m not saying that if a GB team is put together, we will lose our team. But the precedent it sets does concern me, and a lot of other Scotland fans, as well as those of NI and Wales. If anyone has any other thoughts on why you do or don’t want this, please post them. It strikes me as insane that the Isles would be unrepresented in the most popular sport, and so I do think playoffs are a good compromise.

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Cheers Ian, that argument definitely makes sense. Why take one step down a road you definitely don’t want to go down? etc.

So yeah, I’d be in agreement with the playoffs idea. Home Nations would be great just for the pride at stake, but throw in a spot at the Olympics as well and you’ve got the makings of something special.

Also, would be great Olympic preparation for whichever team actually wins the playoffs.

Sounds sweet- 6 game tourney-home and away

1. England

2. Wales

3. Scotland

4, NI

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