Child protection policies in football need urgent improvements, finds review

Scottish football needs stronger child protection policies to avoid a repeat of historical abuse cases, an independent review has found.

The inquiry, led by Martin Henry, found gaps in the system to protect children who enjoy football in sports clubs.

It was set up in 2016 by the Scottish Football Association in the wake of revelations of sexual abuse at football clubs across the UK in the 1980s and 1990s.

The report cannot yet be published in full for legal reasons, but the panel warned of a lack of resources to tackle the issue.

“The current structure of the Scottish FA and Scottish football is not fit for purpose in relation to the safeguarding of young people, clarity of accountability and the reduction of risk,” it said.

“An over-complex structure, lack of leadership and inadequate governance in relation to 'child protection' has also contributed to risk and general ineffectiveness.”

The review added: "Culture change within football in Scotland is imperative."

The chief executive of the SFA Ian Maxwell issued a formal apology on behalf of the governing body.

“I would like to apologise to the survivors and anyone who has been the victim of abuse in Scottish football,” he said.

“It is abhorrent in football and society that these things still occur.

“It is important that we take the right steps by commissioning this review to understand the best way to stop them happening in future.”

Maxwell added that Scottish Football is “a safe place for children”.

Sports minister Joe FitzPatrick said: "While welcoming the Scottish FA's confirmation that it accepts all the recommendations in this report, I am clear that it's vital that they move quickly to create a culture where safeguarding children is at the forefront.

"We will continue to work with Scottish football and other partners to ensure the sport is safe and enjoyable for all participants.”

The charity Children 1st had pledged to work with the SFA to develop a child-centred approach.

Interim Chief Executive Mary Glasgow said: “Child protection must be the top priority for everybody in football.

“The incredible bravery shown by the boys and men who spoke up about their suffering, and which led to today’s report, must be a catalyst for more rapid change. Their voices cannot be ignored. More must be done, at every level of the game, so other children do not continue to suffer, as they did.”

“The SFA can no longer say they did not know what was going on, or what they need to do about it. Football is the biggest, most resourced sport in Scotland and must now focus on developing stronger leadership, clearer lines of accountability and measures to give children a greater voice within their clubs and associations to keep children safer.”