Olympics: ‘Football should be for amateurs’

LONDON: Former England goal-keeper David Seaman has poured cold water on the Olympic football tournament, saying only amateur players should be eligible to compete for gold.“I don’t think it’s for professional footballers,” Seaman, who won 75 caps for his country before retiring in 2004, said in a BBC interview. “I’ve always felt it should be left to the amateurs and I’ll stand by that.” The draw for the London 2012 tournament was held this week with the hosts, entering a combined British side for the first time since 1960, beginning their medal quest against Senegal. Players must be under 23, although three over-age players are allowed in each 18-man squad which in Britain’s case could include former England captain David Beckham.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27^th, 2012.