Football Notes: Scottish Referees Upset Over Foreign Ref Proposal

Scottish referees "reacted furiously" to proposals to introduce officials from Wales and Northern Ireland for top-flight games. A statement released by the trade union for the refs "slammed" the Scottish FA for its failure to adequately protect officials who have been subject to "intense criticism" this season (HERALD SCOTLAND, 2/20).

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he wants FIFA to "help ensure" last year's World Cup has an "effective legacy." At a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Putin said that "ahead of us we now have a different task, to use everything that was done for the World Cup, to use it effectively, and on this issue we are also counting on your support" (AP, 2/20).