SNP WELCOME SFA TEAM GB MOVE.

SNP WELCOME SFA TEAM GB MOVE.

SNP Culture and Sport spokesperson, Pete Wishart MP, has commented on news that the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish football association's have agreed that they would have no involvement at all in the Olympics but would not prevent an England only team from representing Britain on a one-off basis for the London Games.

Mr Wishart, who led a debate in Westminster on the issue, said:

“The SFA are absolutely right to have nothing to do with plans for a team GB, and fans across the country will be cheering this move.

“This debate has always been about protecting the future of our national teams, and safeguarding Scotland’s long term ability to compete in international football. Cut and shut plans for a Team GB threatened our football future, and I am delighted that this meddling has been given the red card.

“We must allow no precedent that could be used against us in the future, and no reason or argument given by Gordon Brown and those others who were pushing to change the status quo has addressed that.

“Indeed, Jim Murphy the Scottish Secretary claimed repeatedly to have assurances from FIFA over the future of the Scottish side yet, when asked, the Scotland Office has repeatedly claimed they need more time to consider whether releasing such details is in the public interest. Such assurance doesn’t exist as it is merely a Labour fantasy.

“The political interference in this decision has been disgraceful, and I hope the SFA’s move will blow the final whistle on plans on any Scottish participation. The proposal to involve only an England 11 in a team “GB” is a matter for the English FA but surely the best way forward would be to let all home nations compete. This is what happened in London in 1908. That would have been a sensible way forward that would do nothing to threaten our teams.

“The Labour Government at Westminster has consistently attempted to undermine the future of Scotland’s national team for their own narrow political agenda. Supporters in Scotland, England, Wales and N Ireland are united in their opposition to this daft and dangerous idea and Gordon Brown and Jim Murphy should be ashamed of themselves.”