Ferguson not keen on London role

Ferguson has said he will retire in three years' time

Sir Alex Ferguson says he is unlikely to take charge of a Great Britain football team at the London Olympics.

London 2012 Organising Committee chairman Lord Coe told BBC 5 Live he had discussed the matter with the Manchester United boss.

But Ferguson said: "I will be 70 in 2012. I've not made any commitment to anything like that.

"I would not, in any way, shape or form, try and commit myself to something that is four years ahead."

Coe believes Ferguson, who plans to leave his Old Trafford post in the next three years, is the ideal candidate to lead the British side in London.

"I would love to have him there because he is a phenomenal coach and a great man manager," he said.

606: DEBATE Would you like to see Sir Alex lead a GB team at the Olympics?

"We have had a few conversations, but I stress that it is for the British Olympic Association and the Football Association to make that judgement and I leave it with them."

The inclusion of a Great Britain football team at the London Games has sparked huge controversy, with the FAs of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland concerned it may compromise their individual status within Fifa.

President of football's world governing body, Sepp Blatter, has said it would be better for GB to enter a team featuring players from just England to avoid such a scenario.

But as it is the BOA which selects teams for the Games, it has decided to press ahead with plans to include a football team despite the opposition.