Scottish referees have been snubbed by FIFA for their list of officials and VAR operators for this summer’s Olympic football tournament despite 45 countries being involved.
The Paris tournament takes place from July to August later this year and world football’s governing body have appointed 89 match officials – 21 referees, 42 assistant referees, 20 video match officials and six support referees from countries across the globe.
But there’s no Scottish representative at the event.
Two English Premier League referees – Rebecca Welch and David Coote – were named and there are 23 officials from across Europe at the tournament.
Scotland were also without a representative at the last major tournament – the World Cup in Qatar. UEFA have yet to announce their final list for this summer’s Euro 2024.
Polish ref Szymon Marciniak – who took charge of the World Cup Final between Argentina and France – has been tipped to be the ref for the opening game at the Euros between Scotland and hosts Germany.
Meanwhile, Scottish FA head of referee operations Crawford Allan will step down at the end of the season.
The experienced official has worked in the role for four years but will depart in the summer to pursue new opportunities.
A review of the role and remit – with key consideration over the introduction and optimisation of VAR – will take place as Allan leaves the post and an “experienced replacement” is sought.
Allan was a referee in Scotland for 30 years – 15 in the top flight – before stepping up to the high-ranking Scottish FA post where he played a major role in the implementation of VAR.
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