Yorkshire Tartan Army

A Scottish politician has accused the UK government and the Football Association of conspiring to ensure that a Great Britain football team will compete at the 2012 Olympics. The showpiece event in four years time is set to be staged in London, leading to calls for the home nation to be represented in as many competitions as possible. However, Scotland has been quick to air their opposition to a combined football side, believing the creation of such a team would threaten their independence in the eyes of Fifa. The game's world governing body have offered assurances to the contrary, but the concept remains a contentious issue. Christine Grahame, an SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament, has now lodged an official complaint to Fifa in regards to the ongoing discussions between Westminster politicians, the FA and the British Olympic Committee. Fifa rules clearly state that no government interference is allowed in national football associations. Grahame, who is English, has called for an investigation into the ongoing proposals - even if it means England being suspended from international football. Pressure She said: "There is no doubt that the British Government has actively conspired with the English Football Association and officials of the British Olympic Association to bring undue and unprecedented pressure on the Scottish Football Association and the other associations in Wales and Northern Ireland. "I have no particular desire to see England 'red-carded' from international competition - but clearly that is the risk being taken by British Ministers and their officials. "Based on the evidence I have seen, I believe the UK Government is involved in political interference that undermines the independence of the Scottish Football Association and is in clear contravention of Fifa rules. "If I were an England fan then I would be furious that the British Government is running this risk, a move that could effectively ban both the English national and English league sides from competing internationally. "Speaking personally, I would love to see the oldest footballing international - between Scotland and England - restarted. But if British Ministers continue to interfere as they have done and England is thrown out by Fifa then that prospect will be gone." Opposed The Scottish FA have responded to Grahame's remarks by reiterating their stance against the creation of a GB team. A spokesman for the SFA said: "The SFA remains utterly opposed to the concept of a team GB [football team] in the London 2012 Olympics or any other competition. "But we would hope any politicians who share the same concerns as us would raise those concerns with us and we could then pass that on to FIFA."