The Scottish FA have abolished the Key Match Incident Review Panel set up to review major on-field refereeing decisions.
Established in September 2024 a three person panel consisting of one independent member, one laws of the game expert and one representative of clubs from the SPFL met weekly to assess key on-field decisions, the outcome of deliberations published on the SFA website.
Aimed at providing transparent, independent assessments of headline-grabbing incidents the KMI panel held no formal power to change or impact the outcome of refereeing decisions or VAR reviews. Speaking in November last year, former category one official Bobby Madden claimed that the panel had ‘no value’ and said referees placed little store in its deliberations or findings.
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The participation of clubs in the KMI panel was voluntary, with some making it known that they did not intend to take part this season, with others failing to elect their own representative.
As a result, the SFA have now written to clubs to let them know that the KMI panel will be discontinued and replaced by regular meetings giving managers and club captains the chance to air their views and incorporate them in the coaching of referees.
Since the KMI panel was set up, a VAR Review Show broadcast by Sky Sports has given Head of Referees Willie Collum a platform to review and explain refereeing decisions, with the programme superseding the independent panel.
