SNP back Scottish Football for Olympics

Scottish Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell has given the SFA his full backing over their opposition to a GB team at the London 2012 Olympics as Gordon Brown continues his efforts to force a GB football team.

Commenting on the statement by the Fifa Executive Committee this weekend regarding a GB football team for the London 2012 Olympics Stewart Maxwell said:

"This news doesn't change anything. Fifa is an organisation whose statutes are determined by the voting of national members, rather than the views of the executive committee.

"Football fans across Scotland, including the Tartan Army, do not want a GB football team and nor do the Northern Ireland and Wales football associations. Scotland, England, Wales and N Ireland supporters' associations are also opposed to this daft idea.

"If we are looking for a one-off solution for London 2012, then why not let Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland all take part in the Olympics football tournament as indeed was done for other Olympic team sports in the past?  

"Sepp Blatter is already on record as saying that a GB Olympic team would put into doubt the independent football status of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

"What is vitally important is that nothing is done that could be used as ammunition to remove Scotland's independent status from the World Cup and European championships, as a GB Olympic football team undoubtedly would do.

"The SFA does not support the idea of a GB under-23 team because it threatens the very existence of Scotland within FIFA. The Scottish Government wholeheartedly backs that position.

"We would do well to follow the advice of Scotland's football experts, including former national coach Craig Brown, and George Peat, David Taylor, and David Will.

"Gordon Brown and Jim Murphy are happy to play fast and loose with the future of Scotland as an independent football team for their own narrow political agenda.

"The SNP and the Scottish Government will back the SFA."