altSIMON CLEGG, the chief executive of the British Olympic Association (BOA), has hit out at Welsh footbball officials for refusing to have anything to do with London 2012, which could deprive young players like Gareth Bale (pictured) the opportunity of playing.

 

The Football Association of Wales (FAW), like their counterparts in Scotland, fear that if they co-operate with a united British football team for 2012 then it could jeopardise their independence to compete in events like the World Cup and European Championships.

 

As reported on insidethegames earlier this month, they have warned that if any Welsh player takes part in 2012 then they will face a ban from the sport.

 

Clegg, Britain's Chef de Mission in Beijing, has now criticised the FAW's stance.

 

Interviewed on BBC Wales' Dragon's Eye political programme, he said: "We've had three meetings now on this issue and I'm disappointed, obviously, that there hasn't been any engagement at all [from the FAW.

 

"Whether we like it or not, football is an integral part of the Olympic Games.

 

"And it would seem madness to me, incompatible for me, to host that event and actually not have representation in what is our national sport."

 

Clegg, however, admitted that he could understand the Welsh fears.

 

He said: "I think we have to work with the IOC (International Olympic Committee) FIFA to get the FAW into a position where they are given the comfort they need so they are not depriving their athletes of participating in this event."

 

But the FAW's tough stance is supported by former Welsh players and politicians.

 

Wales Under-21 boss and former Wales player Brian Flynn said: "We're Welsh, Welsh and more Welsh.

 

"Our association alongside Scotland and [Northern] Ireland...the party line is we want to keep our independence and that's so important to us."

 

Plaid Cymru MP Adam Price said it was not worth risking the future of the Wales football team for a one-off event.

 

He said: "It would be absolutely pig-headed if the BOA was willing to risk our football heritage in Wales for the sake of having a bit of PR and for them being able to say they have a Great British football side."

 

Labour AM Lesley Griffiths has also expressed concern about the plans.

 

She said: "For the sake of a handful of matches over the course of a fortnight four years hence, I think it's simply not worth it and therefore I could not support it."