Welsh FA set to dash Gareth Bale’s Olympic dreams

Gareth Bale will not be allowed to play for Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics despite declaring an interest in participating in the event.

The Tottenham winger is reportedly keen to play at the forthcoming event but the Football Association of Wales (FAW) will refuse to let any Welsh players represent Team GB at the London Games.

“Our position on this has not changed and is unlikely to change,” said FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford. “There is no drive for us to change our position.

“We haven’t been in a situation where anybody has been approached [by a player wanting to feature at the Olympics]. Let’s take one step at a time and if we get to that we will have the discussion at that time.”

The 21-year-old winger has 27 caps for Wales and the London Olympics would present a chance for the ambitious Spurs midfielder to make an appearance on the global stage.

Wales manager Gary Speed said: “The fact he [Bale] has said that shows me how much drive and determination he has to achieve.”

Speed, who was appointed as John Toshack’s successor in December, added: “He wants to play on the biggest stage and that is understandable. But it’s a personal thing if that is what he said. I haven’t discussed the details with Jonathan at all and will cross that bridge when we come to it.”