- Olympic Football 2012: Wembley Stadium - Image by Martin Pettitt, Flickr
The summer of 2012 will see the first major international football tournament to come to Britain since Euro 96.
It is broadly an Under-23 tournament, with three over-age players allowed in each squad. At the time of writing, it appears that a British Olympic football team will be entered, comprised only of English Under-23 players in the men's tournament. This is due to concerns that a full British side could affect the independence of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland within FIFA, soccer's world governing body.
Argentina will be looking to 'three-peat', having won the tournament in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008, where Lionel Messi had a superb tournament.
Olympic football venues have been confirmed and are spread across the country. Here are full details.
Football at the Olympics – Wembley Stadium, London
England's national stadium was a natural choice to host soccer at the 2012 Games. Perhaps strangely, considering the facilities available at Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and West Ham, it is the only stadium being utilised in the capital city.
90,000 people can cram into the relatively new arena and it is likely to host the final. Hopefully by then the pitch, which was in such a poor state in the first half of 2010, will be of better quality.
Olympic Soccer 2012 – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland
Famed for the legendary 'Hampden Roar', Scotland's national football stadium will make a fine venue for the Games.
It holds 59,000 fans and could make more than a few waves in 2012. If the all-English 'British' side is drawn to play at Hampden, it could face the bizarre situation of effectively playing an 'away' match in front of partisan Scots (many of whom often support 'ABE' – Anyone But England – in major tournaments) at what is supposed to be a 'home' Olympics.
Olympic Football Venues – Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
Wales' national stadium is famed for its retractable roof which creates a tremendous atmosphere. Nearly 75,000 people can pack into a place that has held everything from FA Cup Finals to huge rock concerts.
City of Coventry Stadium, Coventry
Better known to football fans as the Ricoh Arena, this is an out-of-town stadium with a capacity of 32,500. Home of Championship club Coventry City FC, it's not the most characterful of stadiums, but when full it can create a decent atmosphere.
Old Trafford, Manchester
The development of this venerable stadium has been well done and the 'Theatre of Dreams' can be electric on the big occasions. The great players to have graced the stadium for Manchester United range from George Best to Ryan Giggs, from Bobby Charlton to David Beckham. A worthy venue with room for 76,000 to scream their lungs out.
St James' Park, Newcastle
This one-club city buzzes whenever the Toon Army, Newcastle United, are at home, and such is the love of football in the area that full houses should be guaranteed at this 52,000 capacity stadium.
Related articles:
- London 2012 Olympic Venues – Where to Watch the Summer Games
- British Olympic Athletes Chasing Gold in 2012
- 2012 Olympics Athletes – The Young Brits Out For Glory
Daniel Trelfer - I'm a freelance writer and also work in television on and off. I'm looking forward to exploring a range of my interests at Suite 101, ...
