SFA set to strip refs of power

REFEREES will be stripped of the power to uphold their own decisions in the Scottish Football Association disciplinary process next season if a radical revamp of the system gets the go-ahead.

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith has revealed a draft proposal for the overhaul of the under-fire procedures

including the establishing of a three-strong appeals panel, which would decide whether to reject or uphold a referee's original verdict for claims of wrongful dismissal.

This is similar to the system currently operating in England and it is understood the panel could be made up of a member of the SFA's referee development department, a former player and an ex-manager. Match officials will no longer be able to veto any appeal.