Coach Stuart Pearce admits he is saddened by the reluctance of the Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh football associations to embrace the concept of Team GB in this summer's Olympics.
All three associations have discouraged their players from taking part in the tournament, fearful of their independent status within FIFA.
"I find is saddening," Team GB coach Pearce told Real Radio.
"I wouldn't say frustrating. I think the bottom line is that it is down to the players.
"If the only reason behind that is the sovereignty of the footballing nations then there has not been anyone from FIFA or UEFA say that we're going to put them under threat.
"I'm not overly sure where that is coming from. I find it a little bit sad, but hey, that's the way it is.
"As I've seen many time before people sit both sides of the fence on an argument."
A number of Craig Levein's squad have been formally approached to request their availability for this summer's Games in London, including Old Firm stars Scott Brown, James Forrest, Allan McGregor, Steven Naismith and Steven Whittaker, along with Kenny Miller, Steven Fletcher, Stephen McManus and Barry Robson.
Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan this week warned that Scotland's Olympic football hopefuls could suffer the wrath of the Tartan Army if they turn out for Team GB.
Pearce said: "I hope it is without foundation, to be fair.
"I think anyone who wants to better themselves - take my experience. Three tournaments in 12 years of international football.
"They come around so rarely it is frightening and probably more so the Scottish, the Northern Irish and the Welsh, maybe.
"We have a situation where we have an opportunity to showcase your talent as a player at a major finals in front of, hopefully, full houses of football supporters and Olympic supporters.
"So I think it will be a great tournament, I really do.
"The support I want is from the players. The players will be the ones we ask to come to represent us.
"If somewhere down the line, they say they have had a rethink about it we wouldn't consider them and go with someone else."
Pearce would have no qualms about picking in-form Wolves striker Fletcher, who is involved in a silent stand-off with Scotland manager Craig Levein.
Fletcher has not been picked for Scotland since texting an SFA official to say he did not want to be considered for the Carling Nations Cup tie against Northern Ireland in February last year.
When asked if he would have any reservations about selecting Fletcher under the circumstances, Pearce said: "No, of course not because he has not fallen out with me.
"Anyone that's on that long squad, we'll be looking at."
Pearce will also monitor the situation regarding Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, who is taking an extended break from football amid a chronic bowel condition.
"He's an outstanding player," Pearce said. "Take myself out the equation as Team GB manager, I just wish to see him back as quickly as possible.
"It's a real shame at the moment but we're following that situation."
Pearce admits the selection of three over-age players in his squad - which will have 18 players plus four on stand-by - will be influenced by England manager Fabio Capello's choice of players for Euro 2012, none of whom will be considered for the Olympics.
"We'll be dictated maybe by who goes to England in the summer," he said,
"We'll have to look at the fitness. We've got six matches, if we get to the final, in a short space of time.
"We'll look at fitness, form and professionalism. The players will have to keep themselves fit over the summer."
When asked about David Beckham's prospects of making the squad, Pearce said: "Everyone on the long list has a realistic opportunity, otherwise they wouldn't be on it."
Pearce added: "I'll pick the team on merit. I don't look at the nationality of the players, I look at their names.
"I have got no bias in regard to any nation in this GB team."
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