I still remain confused and don't know why at the olympics England, Scotland, Ireland and the rest come together and compete as Team GB but at the world cups they do it individually.

Och77: I still remain confused and don't know why at the olympics England, Scotland, Ireland and the rest come together and compete as Team GB but at the world cups they do it individually.

The F.A in England, Wales, Scotland and N.Ireland were formed before FIFA and has remained independent till date. At the olympics they do not take part in the football event, but in Lonon 2012, FIFA forced them to participate because it is a priviledge giving to host nations. In 2016, there will not be team GB in the football event.

@Andre uweh,
this goes beyond football. all 4 countries compete ad team GB in all competitions of the olympics as far back as its conception. i think its more of an honourary thing, what better way to let us know they are still a 'united kingdom' if not at the olympics?

It's only in football, rugby, cricket and the commonwealth games that they go as separate entities. Other global events-politics, economy, military, music, beauty peageant etc, it's Great Britain all the way.