The Scottish Football Association are heading to Europe for replacement referees as the country's category one officials confirmed their intention to strike. SFA chief executive Stewart Regan has already begun the process of finding referees to take their place for this weekend's matches in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and other senior fixtures.
A statement from Regan read: "While we remain hopeful that the situation can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction, we have no option but to draw up contingency plans, which will involve sourcing match officials in other countries."
He later told Sky Sports News: "We will seek to source officials from other countries across Europe, FIFA-listed officials or officials from the premier leagues in each of those respective countries and we will try to source enough officials to ensure the matches can go ahead.
"At this stage we are not in a position to talk about which countries they would come from. We are in very early-stage discussions with other associations across Europe.
"We have the backing of the Scottish Premier League to take that action and we are waiting for our own referee committee to approve that action."
Referees acted unanimously at their monthly meeting on Sunday amid fears one of them would come under physical attack after a number reported being threatened at home, in the street and the workplace.
SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster expressed his disappointment with the official's decision.
"We have had no dialogue with the referees and that's one of the most disappointing things," Doncaster told Sky Sports News.
"The first thing I heard was that I got a call last night telling us there would be a strike. There is a right way to go about it and simply calling a strike is the wrong way.
"It has to be preceded by some conversations about concerns and no-one has come to us with any concerns."
Doncaster is determined that supporters will be able to watch their teams play this weekend.
"What is important is that the games go ahead," he said. "We have to put supporters first.
"It costs a lot of money and time to follow a club and to have this inconvenience thrown in their way is very, very unfortunate indeed."
There have been suggestions that the SFA could look to the Republic of Ireland as the Airtricity League is in its close season. But the Football Association of Ireland would broach the matter with their referees before committing.
An FAI spokesman said: "If there is an official request we will consider it, but obviously we would have to consult with our referees first."
The Football Association of Wales claimed it was highly unlikely they would be able to help out given their league is in full flow, while it is understood the Premier League do not have sufficient numbers of officials themselves to offer help elsewhere.
