News from Welsh Labour

AM urges Wales to “stand firm” on opposition to Team GB

A prominent opponent of Wales participating in a Team GB football side in the London 2012 Olympics, has called on the Football Association of Wales to stand firm against any pressure it receives, to participate in the competition.

Wrexham’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths, made her comments ahead of a meeting of FIFA’s Executive Committee in Tokyo on Friday and Saturday of this week.

The Committee is expected to discuss the participation criteria for the Olympic football tournament at London 2012 – criteria which could accommodate a one-off Great Britain team taking part in the competition.

Ms. Griffiths – who has consistently and strongly opposed the Team GB concept since it was first suggested during the summer – has reiterated her opposition in advance of the FIFA meeting. She believes such a move could jeopardise the independence of the Welsh Football Association and the prospect of a Welsh national team competing on the European and world stage after London 2012.

Commenting, Lesley Griffiths AM said:
“Pressure is undoubtedly building on this issue – pressure that is unwelcome and completely unnecessary. The majority of people I speak to – ordinary Welsh football fans – would not touch Team GB with a ‘barge-pole’ and I agree with them. The risks remain too great.

“The proponents of this idea either don’t understand the strength of feeling and passion we have in Wales when it comes to our footballing independence – or they simply don’t care. Either way, the Football Association of Wales should stand firm on their opposition to Team GB. It is simply not in our national interest to participate in a unified team at London 2012.

“Whatever FIFA agree to or discuss in Tokyo, I hope the Football Association of Wales stand firm and make their opposition known to the world governing body, at the earliest opportunity.

“To those advocates of Team GB, I say this – Wales and the people of Wales are not interested your plan – we cherish our independence too much.”