The long running row has blown up against after comments by Colin Moynihan, chairman of the British Olympic Asscoation, first reported on insidethegames yesterday that a British team will definitely take part in the football tournament in 2012.

 

He also backed Sebastian Coe's efforts to try to get the former Scotland manager Sir Alex Ferguson to take charge of the team.

 

It has led to Gordon Smith, the chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, reiterating his stance that they want nothing to do with the idea.

 

He said: The Scottish FA's position on this issue remains the same - we are opposed to the concept of a British football team," Smith said.

 

"As we have said many times before, we feel that such a move would threaten the independent status of the home nations.

 

"Also, when we speak to our fan groups about this issue, they tell us that they are strongly opposed to the idea.

 

"As the governing body of football in this country, we will always do what is best for the sport here in Scotland."

 

"On a personal note, I feel that the Olympics should be the pinnacle of any sport and it is doubtful as to whether an age-restricted football competition in the Olympics would ever be able to rival the World Cup."