Could SFA ditch compliance officer post after Clare Whyte leaves disciplinary role?

Former Hearts and Scotland manager Craig Levein has called on the Scottish Football Association to ditch the compliance officer role – and that could be an avenue pursued by SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell, according to reports.

SFA Compliance Officer Clare Whyte

Clare Whyte’s forthcoming departure from Hampden was announced yesterday, although the third-ever compliance officer will remain in her post until the new year.

That sparked Levein, who was hauled before the SFA disciplinary panel twice as Hearts boss last year, to urge the SFA to out-source the job and duties in future.

He said: “It’s not a position I’d want for all the money in the world– you’re in a no-win situation.

Craig Levein (Photo by Roddy Scott / SNS Group)

"It doesn’t need to be a compliance officer but perhaps a law firm could take the role under their wing,” he suggested.

However, according to reports this morning, the SFA is already looking at alternatives – including out-sourcing to an external group as mooted in The Daily Record by the former Dundee United and Raith Rovers boss who was on BBCSportsound last night.

The Scottish Sun report Whyte, who took over from Vincent Lunny’s successor Tony McGlennan in August 2018, may not be replaced as the SFA go through an organisational reconstruction which also includes 18 potential redundancies at Hampden.

After announcing her intention to leave, SFA CEO Ian Maxwell pledged to begin the search for Ms Whyte’s successor. He said: “I would like to thank Clare for her commitment to the role over the past two years.

“In what is a high-pressure position in a relentless environment, she has shown professionalism and resilience.

“We will begin the process of recruiting a replacement in early course.”

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