Olympic football teams.

[flobadob]

Why do only some countries enter for the football in the olympics. I see Argentina won it but why is there no Ireland, England, France etc?

[Stephen_G]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_at_the_S ummer_Olympics

Look for the section British non-involvement

[vehelpfulguy]

The qualifying games knock it down to just 16 teams (for ladies 12 teams).

England cannot enter as we enter the games as Great Britain (why do you think we are called Team GB).

It is hoped that by the next Olympics will wil enter a Team GB in the football.

Gordn Brown was talking about that very thing today.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Prime -Minister-Gordon-Brown-Backs-2012-British-Foot ball-Team-At-Olympics/Article/200808415085382? lpos=UK%2BNews_2&lid=ARTICLE_15085382_Prime%2B Minister%2BGordon%2BBrown%2BBacks%2B2012%2BBri tish%2BFootball%2BTeam%2BAt%2BOlympics

[johnny.5]

simply put
if GB can put one team in for olympics then they can only put one team in for all other competitions
(world cup european cup etc. etc.)
losing 3 extra places

[Whickerman]

Ireland? we can barely get a team together for the euro or world cups - what chance getting a side for the olympics?