Several high-profile premiership stars have declined to participate in a TV advertisement aimed at stamping out homophobia in football.

The players are reportedly concerned their involvement will leave them open to abuse from fans.

Homosexuality is still a major taboo within the football profession. There are no openly gay players in the UK Premier League.

It is believed top stars, along with their agents, turned down the opportunity to feature in a Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) campaign to cut homophobic abuse from the game.

Household names Sol Campbell and Graeme le Saux have spoke of the vile comments directed at them from the terraces, and on the pitch, from people who wrongly believed they were gay.

Ogilvy, the advertising agency appointed to mastermind the campaign, stressed the importance of gaining the backing of top names to make the right impact.

Last night PFA chief Gordon Taylor said sporting professionals faced a quandary.

"Everybody assumes footballers are full of confidence, but it is not easy on issues like this," he said.

"Remember there was a time when even black players did not feel they could talk about race."

A PFA source said it could be "years" before players are prepared to "put their head above the parapet" and challenge homophobia.

Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell called on Football Association boss Lord Triesman to personally write to every player outlining the significance of the campaign in a bid to gain their support.

England's only ever openly gay footballer Justin Fashanu faced constant tauting and ridicule after 'coming out' publicly in 1990.

At the time his Premiership contract was valued at £1m, but just eight years later Fashanu had taken his own life.

(PR/BMcc)