Former Scottish FA chief executive Jim Farry dies

Farry lost his job after a battle with Celtic managing director Fergus McCann

Former Scottish Football Association chief executive Jim Farry has died of a heart attack at the age of 56.

Farry served in the post from 1990 to 1999, having worked as Scottish Football League secretary for 10 years.

He infamously lost his job at the SFA over a row regarding the registration of Celtic striker Jorge Cadete.

An independent commission ruled that Farry had deliberately delayed the move, meaning Cadete missed a Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers in 1996.

Then Celtic managing director Fergus McCann doggedly pursued the matter and, almost three years later, Farry was sacked for "gross misconduct".

It was Farry who oversaw the renovation of Scotland's national stadium, Hampden Park, which was completed in 1999.

He was a renowned administrator in Scottish football, both for the Scottish Football League and the Scottish FA, and his work was respected in Uefa and Fifa circles SFA president George Peat

However, he was also criticised in 1997 for rejecting calls to switch a Scotland game on the day of Princess Diana's funeral.

The match, against Belarus, was moved after calls from players.

After leaving the SFA, he worked for builders AKP in East Kilbride, but his love of sport continued as a member of Cambuslang Rugby Club where he was regularly seen helping out on match days.

Farry is survived by his wife and two children.

Outgoing Scottish FA president George Peat released a statement expressing his condolences to Farry's family and praising his work in developing Scottish football.

"I was extremely saddened by the news of Jim Farry's passing," said Peat. "He was a committed chief executive of the Scottish FA.

"He was a renowned administrator in Scottish football, both for the Scottish Football League and the Scottish FA, and his work was respected in Uefa and Fifa circles.

"Jim was also heavily involved in the redevelopment of Hampden Park.

"The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA go to his wife, Elaine, and his family at this time."

The man who succeeded Ernie Walker at the SFA had a bumptious reputation but is fondly remembered by many, including former Scotland manager Craig Brown, for his efficiency and meticulous eye for detail.

"I didn't always agree with him, but I respected his administrative abilities and I respected him as a man," said the Motherwell boss.

"He made a very worthwhile contribution to Scottish football.

"I held him in high regard and I'm very sad to hear that he has passed away."