The SFA has appointed Willie Collum as the new head of referees, bypassing Jon Moss, former Head of Elite at the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in England.

This decision has raised questions about the SFA’s recruitment and decision-making process, particularly in light of Moss’s expressed interest in the role and his innovative approach to referee training and development.

Jon Moss, who has extensive experience in the English Premier League and his role in enhancing referee training at PGMOL, was reported to be highly interested in the SFA position. According to the Behind the Whistle podcast, Moss aimed to leverage his broad network and experience to overhaul the training and development structure within the SFA’s refereeing department.

https://twitter.com/behindtwpod/status/1791035904737395023

Why on earth would the SFA turn this down?

Despite Moss’s qualifications and proactive interest, the SFA opted for Collum, a decision that seems to prioritise familiarity and continuity over the potential for fresh insights and methodologies that Moss could have brought to Scottish football.

This decision comes at a critical time for Scottish football, which has faced ongoing scrutiny and criticism over refereeing standards and the implementation of VAR.