'Olympics could delay next year's SPL start'

Olympic rules stipulate no other major sporting competitions can take place in any city hosting an Olympic event for the period of the Games.

Glasgow's Hampden Park is hosting eight Olympic football matches.

SNP MSP and former sports minister Stewart Maxwell has written to the SPL and British Olympic Association requesting "immediate clarity". The rules could mean all other major sporting events are forbidden in the city from July 25 to August 12.

The SPL season usually starts within these dates, and Champions League and Europa League qualifying games could also be under way.

Mr Maxwell said: "Supporters of all clubs were excited and ambitious over the weekend as the new football season got under way, and excitement is also building ahead of the Olympics next year. But questions still remain on what will happen when the two clash in 2012.

"Despite this issue being raised several months ago, supporters are still unclear as to what affect Olympic competition will have on their clubs, and the British Olympic Association need to clarify immediately what their position is on other sporting events taking place during the period of the 2012 Olympics.

"I have written to both the SPL and the British Olympic Association seeking immediate clarity, and will also be raising the issue with Uefa, as this stipulation in the Olympic charter could seriously impact on Scottish participation in continental competition next year.

"It is not just Glasgow teams that would be affected. Manchester, Newcastle, London and Cardiff may also have teams competing in Europe next year. I don't think fans from any team will be happy about having to travel to another city to watch their team compete in premier European competition.

"The Olympic Games will be welcomed to Scotland but the impact on the domestic football season and Scottish teams participation in Europe must be made clear."