THE Scottish Football Association last night resoundingly dismissed an assertion from FIFA president Sepp Blatter that a Great Britain football team will compete in the 2012 London Olympics.
Blatter spoke of written assurance that participation will not affect Home Nations' individual representation in the World Cup, or presence at FIFA, but the SFA remain adamant.
Spokesman Andy Mitchell said they will not sanction a GB team in the Olympics, though they are happy to host matches at Hampden.
Mitchell said that Blatter's views "though interesting, are far from conclusive". He added:
"It is a matter for the British associations, and from an SFA perspective we have long made known our opposition. That has not changed. We have not been party to any discussions.
There is no deal by the SFA."
They fear events such as tomorrow's World Cup match between Scotland and Italy could disappearwith the precedent of a GB team. The goalposts could move. Blatter may have given assurances, but his presidency ends in 2007, long before London host the Games.
"Yes, the SFA directors have discussed this in the past, and when they did, they reaffirmed we will not take part in a Great Britain team, " said Mitchell.
"The evidence suggests we have the significant backing of the Scottish public, which seems a rare occurrence for the SFA."
Could a GB team happen without Scottish compliance?
"We have no wish to take part, " reiterated Mitchell.
First minister Jack McConnell last weekend said the prospect of a united British football team was "a slippery slope".
As of the Athens Olympics, rules were changed to allow hosts to qualify by right, but after 2012 there would be no role for Britain, because no united GB team contests the European Under-21 championship, which is the Olympic qualifying tournament.
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