Sophie Ingle

[ae15]

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44545342

Sore subject but in my opinion it's right that it's discussed.

For me, the Olympics is alongside the World Cup in being the pinnacle of the women's game. It's unfair to expect these girls not to play for Team GB when given the offer.

Nothing being discussed about a men's team (rightfully), so no need to bring it up.

Thoughts?

[iot]

Jun 20, 2018 17:05:25 GMT ae15 said:

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44545342

Sore subject but in my opinion it's right that it's discussed.

For me, the Olympics is alongside the World Cup in being the pinnacle of the women's game. It's unfair to expect these girls not to play for Team GB when given the offer.

Nothing being discussed about a men's team (rightfully), so no need to bring it up.

Thoughts?

I have many strong opinions in opposing this this, and the main one relates to protecting our footballing independence. For me it's simple, the FAW oppose it on those grounds and clearly feel that it is a threat to our independence, surely they are in a position to understand much more about this than us so why would any fans put our future in jeopardy. We all know the grounds for these concerns:

• The fact that we're an exception to the general rule in football as a non-sovereign country
• The fact that many other countries have challenged our football independence in the past
• The fact that UK nations represent 50% of IFAB - an important international body
• The fact that former FIFA presidents have said that GB teams could place our future in jeapordy
• The fact that, when we go back to being shit, a fair proportion of partial fans would actually favour merging the UK teams - I remember sitting in a pub after the Serbia 6-1 game where I had an argument with another 'fan' who suggested it

How can you say 'It's unfair to expect these girls not to play for Team GB' when doing so places our footballing independence at risk? 

[pendragon]

Jun 20, 2018 18:10:02 GMT iot said:

Jun 20, 2018 17:05:25 GMT ae15 said:

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44545342

Sore subject but in my opinion it's right that it's discussed.

For me, the Olympics is alongside the World Cup in being the pinnacle of the women's game. It's unfair to expect these girls not to play for Team GB when given the offer.

Nothing being discussed about a men's team (rightfully), so no need to bring it up.

Thoughts?

I have many strong opinions in opposing this this, and the main one relates to protecting our footballing independence. For me it's simple, the FAW oppose it on those grounds and clearly feel that it is a threat to our independence, surely they are in a position to understand much more about this than us so why would any fans put our future in jeopardy. We all know the grounds for these concerns:

• The fact that we're an exception to the general rule in football as a non-sovereign country
• The fact that many other countries have challenged our football independence in the past
• The fact that UK nations represent 50% of IFAB - an important international body
• The fact that former FIFA presidents have said that GB teams could place our future in jeapordy
• The fact that, when we go back to being shit, a fair proportion of partial fans would actually favour merging the UK teams - I remember sitting in a pub after the Serbia 6-1 game where I had an argument with another 'fan' who suggested it

How can you say 'It's unfair to expect these girls not to play for Team GB' when doing so places our footballing independence at risk? 

I agree. It's a slippery slope. I remember a contingent of the English FA being quite vocal about a Team GB reunion after the Euros. If the pressure were applied again, I can imagine the response being, "the women have played for Team GB, so what's the problem". 

[ae15]

There are good arguments for and against it. However, after 2012 there wasn't one word said about us having a GB side.

The ball is firmly in the home nations' court with this. There is no way when push came to shove that us, Scotland and Northern Ireland would ever allow a GB team.

It's not the Welsh girls' fault that we are represented under a GB flag in the Olympics, and yet they have to miss out on a pinnacle of their game because of it. I just think that's unreasonable to expect them not to play.

I agree entirely that the men shouldn't have a team, if nothing other than because I don't think men's football should be in the Olympics full stop.

If it's made clear that a women's team every four years was the exception, there would be no added risk to our status as an independent football nation in my view.

[marsvolta]

I’m opposed to Team GB for the many reasons already listed in the many threads in 2012.My stance has not and will not change no matter what the sex.

Just a few small points to add-

1,how are they going to qualify? (I’m pretty sure the answer to this will set alarm bells off for just about any Welsh fan)

2, Anyone think it’s strange that this controversial,unsettling and divisive subject has been brought up by England just before they play Wales In the biggest game in Welsh women’s football history? Coincidence? Maybe?

3, Team GB will basically be England in disguise (pretty sure Neville will be managing too)

#noteamgb

[conwy10]

If you had the honour of representing an independent Wales team in a sporting event why would you want to play as part of a Union we aren’t even represented in?

I can understand anyone who has British families... English mother, Welsh father... but at the same time we’ve got to have some self respect and realise they consider us just a part of England. Start by changing the flag, people say it’s a cultural symbol worldwide but they were quick to come up with alternatives when Scotland were voting on leaving.

[welshiron]

The women who want to play for team gb are bang out of order.

Everyone told us not to panic as London was a one off yet here we are again

The reason is England can see 2 or 3 players who can help them at The Olympics.

The FAW have thrown lots of money at the woman's game from top travel and hotels to full support staff, this is money they have not even generated themselves.

After all of that they want to go and throw it back in the nation's face.

All respect lost for them

[jackanapes]

I've got a better idea. Let's disband Team GB and have Welsh athletes competing for a Welsh team in all Olympic sports (you know, like a normal country). Just the small matter of independence to sort out.

[BA Baracus]

Jun 21, 2018 7:39:57 GMT jackanapes said:

I've got a better idea. Let's disband Team GB and have Welsh athletes competing for a Welsh team in all Olympic sports (you know, like a normal country). Just the small matter of independence to sort out.

This would be my solution too. What is the IOC's criteria for allowing new countries into the Olympics?

Assembly Members should be lobbied for this. Do any of the main parties have it as a serious policy?

[BA Baracus]

The FAW and WRU as well as Welsh Athletics and other sports should be getting in the ears of Assembly Members and MPs about Wales flying our own flag at the Olympics.

The FAW should seriously consider getting a Welsh men's and women's team to the Olympics as it's only really the football associations (and fans) on these islands that don't take Olympic football seriously. It's a huge deal for the South Americans.

[cadno]

I wonder if Ramsey, Allen and Taylor will be remembered most for making history with Wales at Euro 2016, or for playing for a made up country at a mickey mouse tournament and not even winning a bronze medal... hmmmmm...

Imagine singing another country's anthem. 😂😂😂😂

[phillywelsh83]

There is actually no reason why it should threaten the status of the individual members of UEFA/FIFA, as all competing entities are viewed as members, not "countries", the fact of the member being a country, a dependency etc.. is irrelevant in football. Furthermore, we were separate associations predating FIFA and UEFA, so they have accepted us under the basis of separate associations, and have no reason to rescind our memberships (it has no financial benefit to them, in fact the more members competing in their competitions the better in their eyes.). Dont forget there are more examples than just the the Celtic nations, Faroe Islands are not a sovereign state, neither is Gibraltar. For me there is no threat to our footballing independence.

The Olympics comes under the jurisdiction of the IOC and is a competition of countries so its a different case, hence GB & NI competing as one. Having Celtic nations players competing for a Team GB has no legal consequence on UEFA/FIFA rescinding the status of our membership and competing independently in their competitions.

However, i dont like or support Team GB in football, as its Team England with a few extras, it will be coached by an Englishman, full of English players, with the English nation anthem, referred to as England by the Media or England & Bale. It will make me sick of watching them. So i oppose, but have no fear for our independence.

[cadno]

Jun 21, 2018 11:24:26 GMT phillywelsh83 said:

There is actually no reason why it should threaten the status of the individual members of UEFA/FIFA, as all competing entities are viewed as members, not "countries", the fact of the member being a country, a dependency etc.. is irrelevant in football. Furthermore, we were separate associations predating FIFA and UEFA, so they have accepted us under the basis of separate associations, and have no reason to rescind our memberships (it has no financial benefit to them, in fact the more members competing in their competitions the better in their eyes.). Dont forget there are more examples than just the the Celtic nations, Faroe Islands are not a sovereign state, neither is Gibraltar. For me there is no threat to our footballing independence.

The Olympics comes under the jurisdiction of the IOC and is a competition of countries so its a different case, hence GB & NI competing as one. Having Celtic nations players competing for a Team GB has no legal consequence on UEFA/FIFA rescinding the status of our membership and competing independently in their competitions.

However, i dont like or support Team GB in football, as its Team England with a few extras, it will be coached by an Englishman, full of English players, with the English nation anthem, referred to as England by the Media or England & Bale. It will make me sick of watching them. So i oppose, but have no fear for our independence.

Why do the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish FA's oppose Team GB if there isn't any possible threat to our independence?

[BA Baracus]

Jun 21, 2018 11:24:26 GMT phillywelsh83 said:

There is actually no reason why it should threaten the status of the individual members of UEFA/FIFA, as all competing entities are viewed as members, not "countries", the fact of the member being a country, a dependency etc.. is irrelevant in football. Furthermore, we were separate associations predating FIFA and UEFA, so they have accepted us under the basis of separate associations, and have no reason to rescind our memberships (it has no financial benefit to them, in fact the more members competing in their competitions the better in their eyes.). Dont forget there are more examples than just the the Celtic nations, Faroe Islands are not a sovereign state, neither is Gibraltar. For me there is no threat to our footballing independence.

The Olympics comes under the jurisdiction of the IOC and is a competition of countries so its a different case, hence GB & NI competing as one. Having Celtic nations players competing for a Team GB has no legal consequence on UEFA/FIFA rescinding the status of our membership and competing independently in their competitions.

However, i dont like or support Team GB in football, as its Team England with a few extras, it will be coached by an Englishman, full of English players, with the English nation anthem, referred to as England by the Media or England & Bale. It will make me sick of watching them. So i oppose, but have no fear for our independence.

Don't the IOC delegate the running of the Olympic football to FIFA?

[foxmulder]

And you are aware of the qualification process, right? That's pretty much the nail in the coffin.

[phillywelsh83]

Jun 21, 2018 12:36:25 GMT BA Baracus said:

Jun 21, 2018 11:24:26 GMT phillywelsh83 said:

There is actually no reason why it should threaten the status of the individual members of UEFA/FIFA, as all competing entities are viewed as members, not "countries", the fact of the member being a country, a dependency etc.. is irrelevant in football. Furthermore, we were separate associations predating FIFA and UEFA, so they have accepted us under the basis of separate associations, and have no reason to rescind our memberships (it has no financial benefit to them, in fact the more members competing in their competitions the better in their eyes.). Dont forget there are more examples than just the the Celtic nations, Faroe Islands are not a sovereign state, neither is Gibraltar. For me there is no threat to our footballing independence.

The Olympics comes under the jurisdiction of the IOC and is a competition of countries so its a different case, hence GB & NI competing as one. Having Celtic nations players competing for a Team GB has no legal consequence on UEFA/FIFA rescinding the status of our membership and competing independently in their competitions.

However, i dont like or support Team GB in football, as its Team England with a few extras, it will be coached by an Englishman, full of English players, with the English nation anthem, referred to as England by the Media or England & Bale. It will make me sick of watching them. So i oppose, but have no fear for our independence.

Don't the IOC delegate the running of the Olympic football to FIFA?

Yes, but you cant have Great Britain competing in every event but the football. Great Britain is a sovereign state, Wales is not. So the IOC have no reason to allow countries that are not sovereign states to enter the Olympics. There are territories and dependencies that compete at the Olympics but these are mainly self-governing and technically not "part of" the countries they belong to (i.e. BVI, Cayman Isles, Hong Kong etc..).

[welshiron]

It is a massive threat.

Luckily the Scots won't have it otherwise we would probably roll over and have our bellies tickled

[iot]

Jun 21, 2018 13:29:18 GMT phillywelsh83 said:

Jun 21, 2018 12:36:25 GMT BA Baracus said:

Don't the IOC delegate the running of the Olympic football to FIFA?

Yes, but you cant have Great Britain competing in every event but the football. Great Britain is a sovereign state, Wales is not. So the IOC have no reason to allow countries that are not sovereign states to enter the Olympics. There are territories and dependencies that compete at the Olympics but these are mainly self-governing and technically not "part of" the countries they belong to (i.e. BVI, Cayman Isles, Hong Kong etc..).

A few inaccurate and contradictory statements there. Great Britain is not a sovereign state as it only includes Wales, England and Scotland. GB is a geographic term, the UK is the sovereign state. Honk Kong is not "technically not part of China", I imagine the Chinese authorities would go far as to arrest any HK residents who would suggest that. Wales, Scotland and NI are also self-governing nations. 

[phillywelsh83]

FIFA/UEFA will not enforce us to join as one so it would have to be agreed between all FA's to carry out this process. We would have to disband the FAW, give up our membership to FIFA/UEFA, then reapply as Great Britain, and wait to be accepted by the committee. On top of this, the bureaucracy of setting up a new British FA, or transferring all powers from the respective home nation FA's to the English FA (as it would be that way). Its very unrealistic to think this would happen. I cant see how this is realistic at all.

[pendragon]

Jun 21, 2018 13:59:11 GMT welshiron said:

It is a massive threat.

Luckily the Scots won't have it otherwise we would probably roll over and have our bellies tickled

It could set a precedent that might (or might not) be used in the future to try to force our hands or apply undue pressure. Best to stay well clear. 

Good job the FAW have also recently vehemently opposed this the last time I checked. The fans certainly wouldn't have it. 

[marsvolta]

2012 was supposed to be a one-off

Now they want a women’s team in the next Olympics

After that, any bets on ‘if the women can have a team in the Olympics, why can’t the men’

Followed by ‘If they can have a joint team in the Olympics, why not the Euros and the World Cup?’

One-off my arse

[Baxter Cymru]

Olympic football is the pinnacle of nothing!!!!

#NoTeamGB

[oberon]

Perhaps the FAW should spell out the danger this is to our status as an independent football nation and make it clear their opposition to it. I suppose legally they will not be able to prevent them playing we are all British passport holders I suppose (wish that wasn`t the case)But if the players really cared they wouldn`t do it. For those to took part last time i view as a huge black spot on their careers.

[biwmares]

Im not a fan of cricket but does'nt this happen here where the english don't recognise Wales?

I thought it was the English & Welsh cricket board.

But you never see Wales it is not even mentioned on the website.

Fairest option would be the highest ranked team out of the four home nations represent Team GB, it might be an incentive to women like this Sophie Ingle.

[conwy10]

Jun 21, 2018 11:24:26 GMT phillywelsh83 said:

There is actually no reason why it should threaten the status of the individual members of UEFA/FIFA, as all competing entities are viewed as members, not "countries", the fact of the member being a country, a dependency etc.. is irrelevant in football. Furthermore, we were separate associations predating FIFA and UEFA, so they have accepted us under the basis of separate associations, and have no reason to rescind our memberships (it has no financial benefit to them, in fact the more members competing in their competitions the better in their eyes.). Dont forget there are more examples than just the the Celtic nations, Faroe Islands are not a sovereign state, neither is Gibraltar. For me there is no threat to our footballing independence.

The Olympics comes under the jurisdiction of the IOC and is a competition of countries so its a different case, hence GB & NI competing as one. Having Celtic nations players competing for a Team GB has no legal consequence on UEFA/FIFA rescinding the status of our membership and competing independently in their competitions.

However, i dont like or support Team GB in football, as its Team England with a few extras, it will be coached by an Englishman, full of English players, with the English nation anthem, referred to as England by the Media or England & Bale. It will make me sick of watching them. So i oppose, but have no fear for our independence.

Let’s be honest we should be competing in football as Great Britain. Some territories unrecognised by FIFA actually have more autonomy than Wales, all our laws are made in London, yet aren’t members of FIFA or UEFA. We do not meet the demands for membership, we aren’t independent or seeking independence. The fear is one day FIFA will decide to restructure the game and they could say “well they play together in the Olympics” I’d rather they were saying “make a Team GB? Are you crazy? They hate each other!”

[conwy10]

Jun 21, 2018 17:47:44 GMT Baxter Cymru said:

Olympic football is the pinnacle of nothing!!!!

#NoTeamGB

I’ve been getting quite in to the Wales Ladies matches lately. I’ve always wanted them to do well but never gone out of my way to see the fixtures and watching the matches or keep checking the scores. For me to feel this excited and proud of what Sophie Ingle is doing to hear her say not this but representing Team GB would be the pinnacle of her career puts a bit of a sour note on it. You’d think anyone given the responsibility of captaining the team would have better knowledge of what she says to the media.

[pendragon]

There's a simple way of looking at it - if the English FA have suggested this, or have indicated that they want this, you can bet that it is not going to be in our best interests!

[wirralwelsh]

Jun 21, 2018 12:35:51 GMT cadno said:

Jun 21, 2018 11:24:26 GMT phillywelsh83 said:

Why do the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish FA's oppose Team GB if there isn't any possible threat to our independence?

Politics......those organisations fear the loss of the special privileges and prominence (rotating Fifa committee/vice presidency membership etc) they get as being 'Home nations' associations and generally being less important, powerful and well renumerated by anything that potentially threatens the status quo. They wouldn't have any involvement or influence in the GB set up, it just leaves them sidelined so they don't like it. 

[cadno]

Jun 22, 2018 0:31:56 GMT wirralwelsh said:

Jun 21, 2018 12:35:51 GMT cadno said:

Why do the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish FA's oppose Team GB if there isn't any possible threat to our independence?

Politics......those organisations fear the loss of the special privileges and prominence (rotating Fifa committee/vice presidency membership etc) they get as being 'Home nations' associations and generally being less important, powerful and well renumerated by anything that potentially threatens the status quo. They wouldn't have any involvement or influence in the GB set up, it just leaves them sidelined so they don't like it. 

Why risk our existence at all?

Why wait until there's a movement to get a permanent Team GB?

[CrackityJones]

Jun 21, 2018 7:39:57 GMT jackanapes said:

Let's disband Team GB and have Welsh athletes competing for a Welsh team in all Olympic sports (you know, like a normal country).

THIS