Scottish FA to establish "independent review" into reports of child sex abuse
it comes after a number of men have come forward to make allegations of historical abuse in football
The Scottish Football Association has announced it is setting up an "independent review" into allegations of sex abuse against children.
It comes after representatives from Police Scotland and PFA Scotland met yesterday to discuss how they will support criminal investigations into reports of assaults against kids.
In the last few weeks a number of people have come forward to make allegations of abuse.
The group will meet on a regular basis to ensure clear lines of communication and information sharing.
The Scottish FA says it is imperative that they take the necessary time and guidance to ensure the review complements the work of Police Scotland, and focuses on processes and procedures in place both currently and historically in Scottish football.
The initial scoping phase will take place with involvement from all stakeholders into the New Year, and once established we will comment further at the appropriate time.
Stewart Regan, Scottish FA Chief Executive, said:
“Police Scotland has reaffirmed that it is the investigatory authority regarding reports of child sexual abuse in football, and it is therefore crucial to draw the distinction between their ongoing investigation and what lessons football can learn from historic allegations.”
The move follows pressure from various quarters, including Deputy First Minister John Swinney and former justice minister Cathy Jamieson, for Scottish football chiefs to establish an independent inquiry into claims of abuse at Scottish clubs.
On Sunday, Mr Swinney said he would not extend the Scottish Government's historical abuse inquiry - looking into the treatment of children who were in institutional care - to include football.
He urged the SFA to set up an inquiry conducted by an ''authoritative, independent, respected figure'' who could consider the issue ''without fear or favour''.
Ms Jamieson has warned the Scottish Government should not ''step back'' from holding a general inquiry into historical child abuse in Scotland due to cost, time or difficulty.
The former Labour minister, also called for the SFA to ''put their own house in order'' and investigate claims of abuse at Scottish clubs, including whether there was a ''deliberate cover-up'', but said this should not prevent an overarching inquiry by the Scottish Government.
Matt Forde, national head of service for NSPCC Scotland, said: ''It's vital that victims feel safe to come forward and that all allegations of abuse in football in Scotland are thoroughly investigated.
''The number of cases highlighted so far reveal the deeply disturbing extent of abuse that has been going on within football. Our hotline, launched with the support of the SFA, saw a surge in calls in its first week and anyone who wants to contact us can continue to do so in confidence with the knowledge they will be listened to and supported.''
SNP MSP James Dornan, who previously called for the SFA to establish an inquiry, welcomed their announcement.
He said: ''As governing body of our national sport, the SFA clearly has a duty to investigate the deeply troubling allegations and I'm glad they're doing the right thing.''
Labour and the Conservatives also welcomed the move.
Labour's Iain Gray said: ''There will obviously be concerns about how independent an inquiry set up by an organisation to investigate itself can truly be, however we hope the inquiry can establish public confidence and deliver justice for survivors of historic abuse.''
Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton said: ''This is a welcome step by the SFA and, so long as it is truly independent, it will help to ensure people can have confidence in Scotland's football governing body.''