Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland are unwilling to allow their players to take part in the football competition at the London Games as they fear their independence in international football will be compromised. FIFA have repeatedly stated that the countries in question would be allowed to continue playing international football as separate nations if they did contribute to a British team, but none of the representative associations say they are willing to take the risk. That leaves England as the only country willing to give their players permission to turn out for Team GB - a position that Bale is unhappy with. The 21-year-old, who has shot to fame with a number of highly impressive performances for Tottenham this year, would undoubtedly make a British squad if the FAW change their position, and he wants to take part. "I want to play in the Olympics. I think it would be a great experience," said Bale. "At the moment Wales haven't qualified for a major tournament in I don't know how many years so it would be nice to play in one against the best countries in the world. "You see it with the British and Irish Lions in the rugby, they come together as a unit and play against other countries. It's great and there's no reason why that can't happen with the football." Although not regarded as one of the marquee events of the Olympic movement, football has been a regular fixture in all but one Games since its introduction in 1908. Six venues across the United Kingdom, including Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, will host matches next year, with August's final taking place at Wembley. Each of the 16 men's teams and 12 women's teams will consist of youngsters, with only two players over the age of 23 allowed in each squad. Britain's men have won the event twice, first in 1908 and then four years later in Stockholm. With Stuart Pearce's promising England Under-21 squad due to make up the majority of the squad, Team GB would have a good chance of making the podium and Bale is keen to have an Olympic medal to his name. "I'm not massively into athletics but I watch the 100 metres final and the other track and field events. You see the athletes getting medals and I think there's no reason why we can't get a medal ourselves," he said. Bale admits the fact that the Games is taking place on home soil is a big incentive to play, but admitted that any decision on whether he takes part would rest with the FAW. He said: "The crowds would be piling in to watch us. It would be a great atmosphere and experience for us. "I'm not really sure how it works with who can play though. That's something that Wales would decide."
