Davies, who is visiting Scotland to promote his new book, FA Confidential: Sex, Drugs and Penalties, said he was a passionate believer in the idea of a united British team taking part in London but he understood the concerns of the Scottish and Welsh Football Associations, who fear that by taking part they are putting in jeopardy their independence to compete in the World Cup and European Championships.

 

In an interview published today in The Herald, Davies said: I was football's representative on the British Olympic Association for eight years," says Davies. "No-one is more sensitive than I am to the very strong feelings in Scotland, in Northern Ireland and Wales about the independence of each country in football.

 

"There has always been the worry among Scottish chief executives and presidents that they must defend this position.

 

"What sort of football tournament are you going to have without the home nation taking part?

 

"Do I accept that taking part in a one-off tournament would threaten the Scottish independence?

 

"I want this to be a sporting matter, not a political one.

 

"I would say to the Scottish FA: What reassurance could we possibly get that would change your minds on this issue'.

 

"Depriving Scottish men and women of the chance of taking part in the Olympics should not be lightly done."

 

"I would love to find a solution.

 

"The situation is rather sad."

 

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