Hi °C | Lo °C The president of the Irish Football Association has accused David Cameron of being “out of touch” after the Tory leader suggested there should be a home nations tournament to decide which team represents the UK in the Olympics.
Raymond Kennedy insisted there was “enough football already” without the Northern Ireland squad facing the prospect of competing in the 2012 Games.
No UK team has competed at the Olympics since 1960 and football officials in Northern Ireland, along with Scotland and Wales, are opposed to the notion of a
‘Team GB’ because they fear it will put their individual team status at risk with FIFA.
“We feel we have enough football. We have the European championships and the World Cup, we are playing continually. I don’t see any need to have football as an Olympic sport,” said Mr Kennedy..
“It is also held at the height of the football season which would make it difficult to get players.
“The IFA along with our Scottish and Welsh colleagues would not wish to take part in the Olympic Games. That has been our stance for the past year and we have not moved on that.
“I’m surprised that David Cameron isn’t up to date.
“He is out of touch on this.”
