Scottish teams have previously competed at the Olympics, according to the SNP.

The party stepped up its opposition to a GB football team at the London Games in 2012, claiming a precedent exists for a Scotland international side to take part.

A team competing as "GB-Scotland" won bronze in the hockey at the London Games of 1908, SNP Olympics spokesman Pete Wishart said. A similar Scottish team entry also took part in the cycling at the 1912 Games.

Mr Wishart points to a special clause in the 1908 and 1912 games' rules which permitted countries to submit four teams, allowing Scotland, Wales, Ireland and England to all enter football teams.

Scotland was even invited to compete in the 1908 Games, but the SFA declined on the grounds of expense, the SNP say.

Mr Wishart said: "In 1908, the unique position of the home nations was recognised by the London Olympics and all four countries were invited to send a football team.

"That position should be recognised in 2012 with a revival of the practice for the London Games. If we are looking for a solution, then let it be this one, and let's see the Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish and English teams playing football with the rest of the world at London 2012."

The SFA fears a GB football team could jeopardise Scotland's status as a separate football team at international level.

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