The Cymru Branch of the League has written to the Football Association of Wales (FAW) congratulating them on their stance about Welsh players joining a proposed `British' Football team to compete in the London2012 Olympics. The Branch Secretary of the Branch, Adam Philips, wrote in his letter:
As Cymru Secretary of The League of Celtic Nations (Celtic League) I write to show support and solidarity with the Football Association of Wales in its stance against involvement with Team GB. Last week the FAW officially stated that it was opposed to members of the Welsh Football squad joining the British team, despite increasing pressure on the organisation to comply with the London Olympics Committee's request for Welsh players to join their side. Yesterday however (09/11/11),Welsh Football Manager Gary Speed reiterated his official opposition to players joining the British Team amid rumours that some members of the Welsh squad have been attracted to the offer of Olympic medals for participating footballers. Neither the FAW nor the Welsh Manager however - as the English press have been so keento point out - can prevent any footballer from joining the controversial team. On this topic Mr Philips states: Sadly it also seems some of our young star players seem to have swallowed the British media spin that this will be their only chance of a medal in their careers. What an insult to us as fans and to their team mates that they have already decided they will never play on the big stage, this lack of self belief is shocking and leads me to believe that there are people advising our players that have ulterior motives. Similarly the Scottish Football Association have boycotted the British Team, but the Football Association of England are keen that Irish, Scottish and Welsh football players are all involved in the `British' team. On this point Mr Philips adds: The Home nations Football bodies seemed in unison in holding fast against a joint football venture in the Olympics until disappointingly David Bernstein of the English FA (known simply as the FA) jumped straight into bed with Sebastian Coe and the BOA Olympic governing body. One of the reasons why the Scottish and Welsh football associations do not want their players to be involved in the British team is the threat that this development may have on the independence Scotland and Wales have as football nations in their own right; a situation enviously regarded by other nations throughout Europe, like Brittany, who have still notbeen officially afforded this basic right. Mr Philips spoke on BBC Radio Cymru this week (see link below) about his opposition to the British Team and why he did not think Welsh players should join the side. The full text of the letter Mr Philips sent to the Chief Executive of the FAW can be found below. Rather than competing with any British side, it seems incomprehensible to members of the League why Welsh or Scottish people would want to take part in the Olympics at all when their nations are not represented in their own right. Jonathan Ford Chief Exec
FAW
11-12 Neptune Court
Vanguard Way
Cardiff / Caerdydd
CF24 5PJ
07/11/2011 Dear Jonathan, Firstly may I congratulate you, the FAW and the managementteam on the recent run of form with the National Team and long may it continue.
As Cymru Secretary of The League of Celtic Nations (Celtic League) I write to show support and solidarity with the Football Association of Wales in its stance against involvement with Team GB. The Home nations Football bodies seemed in unison in holding fast against a joint football venture in the Olympics until disappointingly David Bernstein of the English FA (known simply as the FA) jumped straight into bed with Sebastian Coe and the BOA Olympic governing body. The Football Governing bodies have their reasons for not wanting its players involved in a joint venture and it is sad that the GB football team disrespectfully continues to pursue our players even though public statements had been made against our involvement many times. It is this continued PR campaign and chasing of our players that shows just why it is vital we as a Nation stick together and show the players why they must not entertain team GB. It seems that some of these players think Cymru / Wales fans don't mind about their involvement or even would support the team. I've yet to find a Welshman who supports the concept, indeed the Fans are vehemently opposed to the idea ? We are football fans first and foremost and the rivalry between our nations is important to us, any threat of losing our individual teams however small is too great a risk to take. The Football managers are always complaining that their stars are subjected to too much football yet they seem ignorant to this competition which takes place just before the national teams are due to start a World cup Qualifying Campaign. We as fans want our star players to be fit and fresh for Wales, it is hard enough with the usual run of injuries without the added games this tournament brings.
Sadly it also seems some of our young star players seem to have swallowed the British media spin that this will be their only chance of a medal in their careers. What an insult to us as fans and to their team mates that they have already decided they will never play on the big stage, this lack of self belief is shocking and leads me to believe that there are people advising our players that have ulterior motives. I have decided not to send letters to the players in question as they are all due to meet up for international duty this week and their minds need to be focused on preparation on the Friendly against Norway. I trust you and Gary will be discussing this matter with the squad and I hope that you will pass on my personal sentiments and those of the Celtic League with the players. The League has contacts with fans from all over the Home nations and is fully behind the FAW. I will be writing to the BOA and FA to complain about their actions. In Solidarity Diolch / Thank you Link: BBC Radio Cymru (Listen Again) (voir le site) For comment or clarification on this news item in the first instance contact: Rhisiart Tal-e-bot, General Secretary, Celtic League: Tel: 0044 (0)1209 319912
M: 0044 (0)7787318666 gensec [at] celticleague.net The General Secretary will determine the appropriate branch or General Council Officer to respond to your query. ISSUED BY THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE. 11/11/11