SNP DEMAND SCOTLAND OFFICE PUBLISH FIFA ASSURANCES.

SNP DEMAND SCOTLAND OFFICE PUBLISH FIFA ASSURANCES. 'PUBLIC INTEREST IS NOT MURPHY'S SELF INTEREST' SNP Culture, Media and Sport Spokesman, Pete Wishart MP has pressed Jim Murphy to release details of discussions between the Scotland Office and FIFA over the long term future of Scottish international football, currently in doubt as a result of UK Government proposals to send a Team GB to compete in the London Olympics. Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy has repeatedly said he has assurances from FIFA that the creation of a Team GB would not endanger Scotland's long term ability to compete in international football. However, despite numerous Freedom Of Information requests, the Scotland Office are delaying publication of these assurances on the basis that more time is needed to consider "where the public interest lies". Mr Wishart made his call during a speech to the SNP Spring Conference in Glasgow where he outlined the dangers of creating a Team GB and reminded delegates that a clear precedent for sending four teams to compete in the Olympic Games had been set in 1908. Commenting, Mr Wishart said: “The Scottish Secretary has claimed repeatedly to have assurances from FIFA over the future of the Scottish side yet, when asked, the Scotland Office say they need more time to consider whether releasing such details is in the public interest. “I have in fact seen responses to Scotland fans that say these assurances are subject to confidentiality and even not in the national interest. This is a football competition not a state secret. “Jim Murphy is confusing the national interest with his own narrow political interests - what could he possibly have to hide? "Scotland has what it takes to compete as an independent nation in international football. The UK Government must ditch absurd plans for a Team GB now."