The controversy mostly stemmed from the potential effects of running a British football team, particularly regarding the UK's status within FIFA. The home nati

The controversy mostly stemmed from the potential effects of running a British football team, particularly regarding the UK's status within FIFA. The home nations each have a representative within FIFA, UEFA and IFAB, as well as being able to compete individually, and collectively enter more club teams into the UEFA Champions League. This causes some tension with other countries, who see the UK as a single country that wields undue influence in the global game. If the UK establishes its own football team for the purposes of the Olympics, then there is a fear that FIFA would use this as an excuse to shut down the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish FAs and force them to fold into the FA. This is the reason Scotland refused to allow its players to be picked for the Olympics.