Orla Chennaoui, Olympics correspondent
A deal has been agreed on the format of the Great Britain football team for the 2012 London Olympics.
David Beckham and Wayne Rooney could figure in the GB Olympic squad
Sky News has learned that the Scottish, Welsh and Irish Football Associations have privately agreed to turn a blind eye to a one-off British team for the Olympic Games.
In return for their co-operation it is thought that the English FA will not ask players outside England to join the team.
The agreement should put an end to an argument which has raged since 2005, when London won the right to stage the Olympics.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been against the idea for fear it would set a dangerous precedent and jeopardise their independence in future competitions.
The four FAs had until this Sunday to deliver a unanimous decision to FIFA.
The move means there will now be a men's and women's Under-23 team at London 2012.
Under the rules of the Olympics only three players aged 24 and over can compete on the team.
That would mean there would be the possibility of seeing David Beckham and Michael Owen line up alongside Wayne Rooney, who will still be within the age category.
Arsenal?s Theo Walcott will also be available for selection.
Although an announcement has not yet been made officially, that is expected at the FIFA congress which is being held on the June 2 and 3.
The timing of the decision means that the English FA can concentrate on convincing the congress that they would make good hosts for the 2018 World Cup.
A deal has been agreed on the format of the Great Britain football team for the 2012 London Olympics.
David Beckham and Wayne Rooney could figure in the GB Olympic squad
Sky News has learned that the Scottish, Welsh and Irish Football Associations have privately agreed to turn a blind eye to a one-off British team for the Olympic Games.
In return for their co-operation it is thought that the English FA will not ask players outside England to join the team.
The agreement should put an end to an argument which has raged since 2005, when London won the right to stage the Olympics.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been against the idea for fear it would set a dangerous precedent and jeopardise their independence in future competitions.
The four FAs had until this Sunday to deliver a unanimous decision to FIFA.
The move means there will now be a men's and women's Under-23 team at London 2012.
Under the rules of the Olympics only three players aged 24 and over can compete on the team.
That would mean there would be the possibility of seeing David Beckham and Michael Owen line up alongside Wayne Rooney, who will still be within the age category.
Arsenal?s Theo Walcott will also be available for selection.
Although an announcement has not yet been made officially, that is expected at the FIFA congress which is being held on the June 2 and 3.
The timing of the decision means that the English FA can concentrate on convincing the congress that they would make good hosts for the 2018 World Cup.
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