THE phrase political football was surely created to describe the manoeuvrings over Team GB.

The row over the possible make-up of the Great Britain team to play in the Olympics in London this summer has produced tweets, twits, controversy, claims of foul play and dire warnings. A ball is yet to be kicked in anger.

The awful truth, though, about the rammy in the five-ringed circus is that it may not be headed for a showdown between football authorities and the Olympic organisers. It almost certainly will not pit national authorities against individual players. Rather, it is increasingly likely that Scottish participation in Team GB will be severely limited because of factors that owe little to the interests of the SFA but more to the demands of clubs and the restrictions on eligibility.

The facts about the Olympic competition seem simple. It takes place from July 25 until August 11 at various venues, including Hampden Park. The squad, managed by Stuart Pearce, will consist of 18 players plus four reserves. Three players over the age of 23 can be picked.

The rest is less clear-cut. For example, it was reported this week that despite the opposition of the respective football associations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, more than 96% of the 191 players who were contacted have indicated a wish to be considered for Team GB.

It is understood that the three highest-profile Welsh players – Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Ryan Giggs –have all made themselves available as has Steven Fletcher, who is in exile from the Scottish national team.

However, this figure should be scrutinised closely. First, the invitations were sent out in such a way that any refusal had to be made by writing back to Team GB. Thus silence on the part of the player was taken as support. Those who believe that players are not the most assiduous letter writers may make the assumption that the figure of players eager to play on the team may be less than 96%.

Second, players in Scotland have been quietly advised by the SFA to adopt a "wait and see" attitude. It would be counter-productive to come to an early decision. Why announce that you will definitely not play/will play when you might not be picked?

Third, the number of players asked to be "made available" suggest that the organisers of Team GB have more than an idea of the problems they may face long before July.

Their major obstacles are not the football associations. The SFA, for example, are not overly concerned about Scotland forfeiting its independence as a separate footballing nation. It is much more concerned about losing its voice on the International Football Association Board. This was founded in the 19th century and acts as the guardian of the laws of the game and is responsible for studying, modifying and overseeing any changes to the sport.

Stewart Regan, the chief executive of the SFA, has made it clear he does not envisage any sanctions against Scots players who take part, though he fears they may subsequently be subjected to abuse from fans.

It is difficult to gauge the reaction of the players as they see little benefit in coming out publicly about the details of the Games beyond intimating an interest. One SPL player, who spoke to me on condition of anonymity, was frank in his assessment of the London Olympics and the chances of participating in them.

"It seems to have become a staple of every press conference and the player is in a difficult situation. If you are asked if you want to play in an Olympics then surely the answer must be 'yes'. It is the chance of a lifetime, an experience you would savour but I am aware there is more to it. Yes, I have been contacted and, yes, I would love to play. That in itself would cause major headlines but what are the chances of it happening? I would say they are very slim and it has nothing to do with the SFA."

He is referring to the selection process and to the timing of the tournament. Pearce has made it clear he wants to pick players from all over Britain but his options for over-age players are limited. He has three slots for overage players and Giggs and David Beckham, who is keen to play, will surely take two of these. Bale, who has subtly declared his intentions by wearing a Team GB shirt, will be 23 at the time of the Olympics but is just eligible as a non-overage player.

This, therefore, leaves one over-age slot for a Scot though there are, of course, 18 places available for players under 23. However, it is understood that James Forrest of Celtic may be the only player who falls into that category.

The crucial factor, though, is that the participation of any player from the SPL may be hindered by the season kicking off on August 4, while the Olympics tournament is still going on. Furthermore, clubs in both England and Scotland know that the qualifying process for the Champions League starts in July and stretches until the end of August. It is not difficult to foresee objections from clubs that will halt players competing in the Olympics.

There may be those who insist that players can flex their muscles, citing Lionel Messi's determination to defy Barcelona to play in the last Olympics. However, his participation came as a result of a canny piece of man-management by Pep Guardiola who had personal experience of playing for his country at the Games. It would be foolish, though, to expect clubs to take a similar attitude this summer. The next stage in the selection process will be in March, when the list of 184 names is further reduced.

This will be the cue for another outpouring of speculation, statements, denials and conjecture. It all leaves the bemused spectator with the belief that if there was a gold medal for manufactured controversy then the Team GB football debate has already won it.