By David Gold
July 25 – Hugh Dallas has settled a dispute with the Scottish Football Association (SFA) out of court over an email he sent which mocked the Pope.
The former referee was sacked from his post as the SFA’s referee development officer in November along with four other members of staff, though three have since been given their jobs back.
Dallas, who was one of the world’s top referees at one point and was selected as the fourth official for the 2002 World Cup final, was set to take the SFA to court later this week for unfair dismissal.
Mr Dallas’ lawyer Caroline Carr said in a statement: “Hugh Dallas can confirm that the issue has now been resolved to both parties’ satisfaction using ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) conciliation.
“Hugh Dallas will continue to support, encourage and promote association football in Scotland and the Scottish referee movement.
“He has no further comment to make.”
A spokesperson from the SFA added: “It has been resolved to each party’s satisfaction and we have no further comment to make.”
The Catholic Church reacted angrily when the email was made public and called for Dallas’ dismissal.
Dallas challenged his sacking initially with the SFA, but both President George Peat and human resources expert Viv Coady agreed with the decision to remove him from the post.
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