Britain will not play in Olympic soccer tournament

Britain will not compete in the Olympic soccer tournament next summer in Rio de Janeiro after the English Football Assn. said Tuesday it was unable to reach an agreement with the other three federations that comprise Great Britain.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all oppose the fielding of united British soccer teams, fearing it would cost them their independence with FIFA.

Britain played in both the men’s and women’s tournaments in 2012 because the Games were based in London. Both teams lost in the quarterfinals.

But that was the first time the country has played in an Olympic tournament since 1960.

Earlier this month the English FA indicated it was preparing a team for the Olympic qualifying tournament but that idea was set aside Tuesday because of opposition by the three neighboring federations.