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The possibility of Scottish football having an independent regulator is to be debated by MSPs.

Fan groups, backed by former First Minister Henry McLeish, believe the move is needed to safeguard the game.

The UK government announced last year that it would introduce a watchdog to oversee the game in England.

A cross-party group has been pushing the idea in Scotland and a motion put forward by MSP Ben MacPherson will be debated in the coming weeks.

The full scope of English football's regulator is to be determined but will focus on the sustainability of the game, fan interests and safeguarding club ownership.

MPs at Westminster gave the go-ahead after a fan-led review and fears over a break-away Super League.

News of the debate at Holyrood was followed by an open letter from the Scottish Football Supporters Association (SFSA) to the chief executive of the SFA, Ian Maxwell.

The group, which has been pushing for an independent regulator, accused the head of the governing body of disrespect after claiming he dismissed the findings of its fans' survey last year.

The poll of 2,500 supporters found fans wanted greater transparency and more representation at the highest level of the Scottish game.

Mr Maxwell answered questions on the possibility of an independent regulator at Holyrood's health, social care and sport committee in December.

He pointed to huge differences between the game north and south of the border and described Scottish football governance as "robust" in dealing with financial issues.

He also said the views of fans and other stakeholders were always taken into consideration by the governing bodies.

But in the open letter, SFSA head Stuart Murphy accused the SFA chief of ignoring the report's findings.

He said: "I found the attempt to undermine a report put together over a long period of time, with wide involvement across the game, particularly disappointing and disrespectful.

"In fact, it is wholly incorrect.

"The report was compiled following a comprehensive engagement process with stakeholder consultation across Scottish football."

The SFA has been approached for comment.