Enhancing Scottish football roundtable minutes: December 2024

Attendees and apologies

• Maree Todd, Minister for SCMW and S (Chair)

• Gillian Mackay MSP
• Neil Bibby MSP
• Craig Burn, COO, sportscotland
• Ian Maxwell, CEO, Scottish FA
• Gary Booth, Scottish FA
• Neil Doncaster, CEO, SPFL
• Calum Beattie (“CB”), COO, SPFL
• Fiona McIntyre, Managing Director , SWPL
• Aileen Campbell, CEO, SWF
• Nicky Reid, CEO, SPFL Trust
• Alan Russell, Supporters Direct Scotland
• Louise Strutt, SDS & Foundation of Hearts
• Stuart Murphy, Scottish Football Supporters Association
• Andrew Smith, SFSA
• Alastair Blair, SFSA
• Iain McMenemy, Former Stenhousemuir Chairman
• Scott Robertson, Musselburgh Windsor / Realgrassroots / SYFA Board member
• SG Official, Active Scotland

Apologies

• Henry McLeish, SFSA
• Ben MacPherson MSP
• Fraser Wishart, CEO, PFA
• Douglas Ross MSP

Items and actions

Introductory comments

• Maree Todd (MT) welcomed everyone to the second meeting of the group. She reflected on events since the previous meeting in August, noting the positive ending to the Scotland men’s Nations League campaign and the disappointment of the SWNT losing to Finland in their playoff. She also noted the significant impact of pyrotechnic misuse in our game, reflecting on her direct experience of it at Hampden recently, and noted the concerns around clubs which had recently fallen into administration

Apologies and minutes of previous meeting

• apologies were received as above
• minutes from the meeting in August were agreed

Terms of reference

• the group discussed the draft ToR produced and circulated by SG officials
• it was recognised that there are issues which would be likely to be looked at by an IFR, were one to be introduced, and these issues should be discussed in the Scottish context with a view to coming to a position where it was, ideally, deemed that an IFR would not be a necessary step in addressing them. It was suggested that a future meeting of the group could be dedicated to discussing the role and remit of an IFR. SM suggested the SFSA could put forward for discussion a proposal they had developed around a staged plan around the introduction of independent scrutiny which they believed could negate the need for consideration of a full IFR in Scotland
• it was noted that the draft ToR set out a range of broad themes which should be sufficient to capture the range of issues the members of the group wished to discuss, as well as providing for specific workstreams to be commissioned
• it was also suggested that the group consider what might be achievable in the year ahead and what success would look like
• it was suggested that the group needs to consider whether it should engage directly with clubs, both men and women’s, but it was noted that the SPFL, SFA and SWPL should be well placed to provide the views of the clubs they represent to the group
• the flexibility around membership of the ToR was noted, with the potential for other groups to be asked to attend for specific pieces of work, and for additional MSP representation. The views of players was seen as important and it was noted that Fraser Wishart was on the group but that he would not necessarily be able to represent all players (eg. youth and para) so the group needed to be aware of the other groups of players which may need to be considered
• the specific reference to the women’s game was welcomed but it was noted that women’s football should also be discussed under the other themes. The group similarly discussed the need to cover youth and para-football / equalities issues, and that the purpose referring to an “inclusive and equitable” approach may be helpful
• the group discussed timescales noting the impact of the dissolution of Parliament in early 2026 and whether the group should build this in or could proceed without MSP involvement. It was suggested that the timescale can be considered at the end of the first year (late 2025) and consideration given to whether the new Government (after Scottish Parliament elections 2026) needs to remain as part of the group. It wasn’t clear whether the group would have straight forward and tangible outcomes but the group should reach a position where it was clear on whether it thought that current structures are adequate
• MT thanked everyone for their views and that the ToR would be updated and circulated ahead of the next meeting

Discussion of key themes

Pyrotechnics

• Calum Beattie (CB) led the discussion on pyrotechnics. He noted that, despite legislation, the issues around the use of pyros was worsening and, at the recent league cup semi-finals, both matches were delayed due to the smoke caused by the pyros in the stands. He noted that tackling this needed to be cross-organisational and that the current legislation not being linked to football banning orders is hindering the situation. In England, they are seeing more success between the use of pyros and banning orders being administered. Although it was noted that banning orders and stopping people coming to games goes against the ethos of growing spectator numbers, the focus must be to improve the experience of the majority by tackling the behaviour of the minority
• Police Scotland had advised that they would prefer to investigate incidents retrospectively rather than having officers going into crowds. Whilst this might be understandable, in practice it was understood that no arrests were made either during or after the league cup semi-finals in relation to pyro misuse. Ultra fans were searched before entering the ground, but it was believed that pyros were given to females and children to take in as they are not subject to the same level of searches
• the importance of education on pyros was noted and the SPFL is already working with the SPFL Trust to develop courses which could be run at all clubs. Supporter Liaison Officers were going to be part of the educational work
• a recent SFSA survey of fans showed that the majority of fans don’t want the pyros at the matches and that the SFSA would be happy to work with the SFA and SPFL on this in terms of sharing data and sending messages
• it was highlighted that broadcasters and media could also help by highlighting that the use of pyros in football grounds is illegal, and by not showing footage of pyrotechnics (similar to the approach to pitch invaders)
• sanctions, such as fines and banning away fans, were discussed and it was noted that UEFA’s use of these had seen a reduction in the amount of incidents at European club competitions.  It was recognised that sanctions may be harmful to smaller clubs who rely on the travelling support of the larger clubs. Leagues across Europe have tried different pilots such as pyro zones in their stands, but fans were soon able to work their way around this
• SG Official, Active Scotland highlighted that, following discussion and support at a Ministerial Working Group, the Scottish Government were currently looking to review legislation to link the use of pyros and football banning orders, but Gvmt was struggling to identify any current bills which could provide a vehicle for updating the FBO legislation. If no legislative vehicle can be found, it may need to wait until the next Parliament (after 2026 election)

Alcohol sold in grounds

• CB introdiced this issue, noting that alcohol is already widely available at football grounds in hospitality areas and many fans come straight to the ground from nearby pubs and bars. Police Scotland already categorise lower risk games, and this mechanism could potentially be used to enable alcohol to be sold in the ground. While there were legitimate concerns about the behaviour of a small minority of supporters, CB stated that it was considered counterproductive to treat all supporters the same and engaging on this issue could possibly help to address wider behavioural problems
• It was noted that football fans should have the same rights as rugby and other sports and the public health messages about drinking need to be linked to wider society rather than just football
• MT agreed that football should not be singled out and noted that rugby internationals at Murrayfield saw much less of a late rush to enter the stadium as fans plan their day due to the provision of alcohol in the stadium footprint. The public health concerns around a change in law were acknowledged. Notwithstanding these, the Scottish Government is committed to considering any proposals to allow the sale of alcohol in football grounds from the SPFL and SFA
• Aileen Campbell (AC) highlighted that Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) took an active decision to only use sponsor brands which are not associated to alcohol. She noted that it was financially challenging but was clear that, with many of their players being young women and girls, accessing alcohol advertising messaging is not desirable when they are being told about health messaging about being physically active

Independent football regulator in England

• SG Official, Active Scotland highlighted that the UK Government has recently published information and that the Bill is currently making its way through the House of Commons and House of Lords. Paper updates were handed out and SG official, Active Scotland agreed to provide a link to these and additional information following the meeting (note: action complete). DCMS had not provided any clear indication of the final timescale of the Bill coming into force
• it was suggested that a paper on a Scottish regulator could be circulated for discussion at a future meeting.

Facilities

• Craig Burn (CB) stated that sportscotland have commissioned a whole sector wide survey of sporting facilities, including looking at availability and standard and covering all schools, local authority owned facilities and privately owned. The data will then be used to look at the costs for running and maintaining facilities which will help those make the tough decisions on whether the facility is worth keeping open. It was noted that some sporting facilities are being replaced with fitness studios as they bring in more funds
• it was suggested that the sportscotland survey could include wider community issues by looking at transport links and educational sessions
• it was noted that provision of funding for facilities to be built was only one part of the equation, and that funding for running costs, maintaining and upkeep is also critical. Access to related facilities such as toilets and changing rooms with pitch lets is also a significant issue
• AC raised that local authorities need to be more aware that the season for some women and girls competitions differs from the season for men and boys meaning facilities are not necessarily available to use for women and girls matches and training
• Ian Maxwell (IM) highlighted that the Scottish FA will be launching a facilities fund towards the end of the year. This fund will be open for both improving current pitches and associated facilities such as changing rooms. It will help smaller clubs who have older grounds which are in need of updating and repair

Fit and proper person

• IM highlighted the work of the Scottish FA’s Congress in discussing the fit and proper person criteria. The SFA had asked Police Scotland whether they could assist with checks for directors and owners, given they have access to information which the SFA does not, but did not receive a positive response. The SFA recognised the concerns around designing a robust fit and proper person test and acknowledged the information provided on how the Scottish Government applies such tests to Board members. A paper is being worked up by the SFA which will be brought to the next meeting

Next meeting 

• SG official, Active Scotland will circulate a range of dates for the next meetings, an updated ToR and minutes of this meeting, and a proposed agenda for meeting 3