The former chief executive of the Scottish Football Association before joining the European governing body has warned them not to be persuaded by Prime Minister Gordon Brown to leave their fears about losing their independence to take part in events like the World Cup and European Championships if they take part in London.

 

He told the BBC in an interview: "It is the quickest way for Scotland to disappear off the international stage.

 

"The official position of UEFA, indeed of FIFA, whose responsibility it is, is that this has to be purely a football matter and nothing to do with world of politics.

 

"It is about the identity of the countries and it is a matter for the football associations.

 

"But, when I was in Scotland and chief executive of the Scottish FA, we had a clear and firm position and I understand that is still the position - that Scotland should not take part in an Olympic GB team."

 

Taylor claims that Scotland's views are shared by Wales and Northern Ireland.

 

He said: "When I was there, which was not a long time ago, those other countries had the same sort of feelings as we do.

 

"We have more than 100 years of history of competing as a separate national in football terms.

 

"It is not like other sports as Scotland competes as a separate entity in all international football competitions."

 

Taylor also said that reassurances from FIFA that taking part in London 2012 would not affect anything in the future should also be treated with extreme caution.

 

He said: "FIFA is comprised of 208 countries and we have had situations in the past when the privileges of the British associations, one of which is to compete separately in international football tournaments, has come under attack.

 

"What I would say is that we should be very careful about that as it's difficult to see what guarantees can be given."