The SFA's head of referee operations, John Fleming, has died aged 62 after a prolonged illness.
Fleming worked as an assistant referee at the 1996 European Championships , having attained category one status as an official two years previously.
He joined the Scottish FA ’s referee development department in 2009 and led the association’s referee operations for eight years.
Fleming was also appointed as referee observer by UEFA , and sat on the International Football Association Board alongside fellow former officials such as Pierluigi Collina and Massimo Busacca.
SFA president Rod Petrie said: “John was a private man and many people will be shocked to learn of his passing after an illness borne with fortitude. His commitment was unstinting to the game, his refereeing colleagues and the association.
“He worked tirelessly in support of his match officials, whom he considered an extended family. He undertook his responsibilities as Head of Referee Operations with passion and integrity, qualities that met with respect across the game: in boardrooms, in dressing rooms and, of course, in referees’ rooms.
“John was a dedicated family man and suffered the loss of his wife Ann with the love of his children Dawn and Graham, and of course his grandchildren Anna, Charlie and Rose, on whom he doted. Our thoughts are with his family.
“I know I speak on behalf of the board, John’s friends and colleagues within the Scottish FA, the referee community and clubs across the country in saying that we will miss a trusted colleague, a man of honour and principle, and a dear friend.”
