A REVIEW into historic child sexual abuse in Scottish football has called for sweeping changes while finding that child protection policies are "not fit for purpose".
The Scottish Football Association-commissioned report is understood to show that there are gaps in the system that still leave children at risk.
The interim findings of an inquiry led by Martin Henry, the former executive officer of Lothian and Borders Police's child protection office is also expected to say that there is a shortfall in money and resources to help tackle the problems.
Mr Henry, who until October, 2016, was national manager of child sexual abuse prevention charity Stop it Now! Scotland was brought in in February, last year, to front an investigation which agreed to examine "processes and procedures" in place both currently and historically in Scottish football.
Concerns at the time were linked to seven Scottish football clubs. Four of them, Celtic, Rangers, Motherwell and Partick Thistle are in the Scottish Premiership and three are in the Scottish Championship, Hibs, Falkirk and Dundee United.
The interim findings expected on Thursday are also said to highlight a need for football clubs to accept greater responsibility for affiliated youth clubs. And it is also expected to call for a designated Scottish FA board member for safeguarding issues A full report is not expected to be published until legal proceedings have been concluded.
The sport was rocked by claims from former players across the UK that they were abused by people in positions of authority and Police Scotland launched a major inquiry into non-recent child abuse in football at the end of last year.
The SFA had said the review would consider whether or not and to what extent the Scottish FA was aware of the matters highlighted and now brought to its attention.
It was to look into what steps were taken by the Scottish FA, its members or affiliated associations during relevant periods over the protection of children brought to its attention and to identify any failings or deficiencies.
But was only due to examine areas where the SFA had jurisdiction and did not have a remit to determine the nature of any liability on the part of any individual or organisation whether that be criminal, civil or regulatory.
As of November 2017, a total of 298 criminal cases have been recorded with Police Scotland linked to sexual abuse in Scottish football.
Former Celtic youth coach Jim McCafferty (above), originally from Wishaw, North Lanarkshire is awaiting sentencing after he pleaded guilty in June to sexually abusing a teenage footballer. The 72-year-old formerly of Raby Street in Belfast pleaded guilty in May to eight counts of sexual assault.
He previously worked at the football clubs Hibernian, Falkirk, and Celtic more than 20 years ago.
The court heard he had confessed to sexually assaulting a teenager in Belfast and other boys in Scotland where he worked as a coach and kit man.
Partick Thistle confirmed former club physiotherapist John Hart was sacked about claims made about him which emerged in 1992. Hart, who is now dead, also worked for Motherwell.
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