Sex abuse survivors begin legal action against the Scottish Football Association

Thompsons Solicitors has today sent correspondence detailing the civil claims on behalf of the company's clients, who were abused by paedophiles employed in Scottish football.

Last week, the SFA published a report outlining their failings which allowed children across the country to be preyed on by paedophiles.

Thompsons Solicitors believe the safeguards in place were not fit for purpose and claim the SFA failed to uphold and enforce the extremely important codes of conduct.

Thompsons partner Patrick McGuire said: "As the body in charge of Scottish football at all levels, the SFA is responsible for the welfare of children taking part in our game.

"They are trusted by parents to make sure that coaches and officials at club and association level are fit and proper people to care for their children. It is to the SFA’s complete and utter shame that due to their incompetence and at times wilful disregard, criminals of the worst kind preyed on youngsters who only wanted to play football.

"The legal action for compensation that my firm is undertaking on behalf of our clients is part of the process of seeking justice and it’s one that I expect the SFA to take very seriously and settle promptly.”

Janine Rennie, chief executive of the survivors charity Wellbeing Scotland, said: "The beginning of civil legal proceedings against the Scottish Football Association by survivors is their absolute right and is an important part of them claiming some measure justice they have long been denied.

"Restitution of this kind is a small part of the journey for these brave people. They were disbelieved and ignored by the authorities for years but they are taking back control and now the SFA have admitted their terrible failings.

"I hope they will deal with this matter with decency and transparency.”

Peter Haynes, who was abused by SFA official and coach Hugh Stevenson, said: "SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell has told the country he believes his organisation’s child protection policies are a success.

"I have asked him to clarify his statement. He has not as yet agreed to this.

"The hurt his statement caused to myself, my family and other survivors is beyond measure. It is in total contradiction to that of his predecessor, Stewart Regan. Mr Maxwell's words echoed the same lack of understanding as Jim Farry in 1994 when I first informed the SFA about Hugh Stevenson.

"How on earth can they say they haven't failed children in the past. What part of the handling of my involvement can be deemed a success? Mr Maxwell says the SFA wants a world-class child safety policy. That should begin with taking care of those it has already failed miserably.”

John Cleland, who was abused by football coach Gordon Neely, added: “The SFA is responsible for making sure that those coaching our children are people we can trust yet they completely failed me and my family.

"I now wait to see if their words admitting their failings are backed up by action. I sincerely hope that other survivors abused in Scottish football now feel able to come forward to have their voices heard.”