The Scottish Football Association have refused to comment on reports that Hugh Dallas has lost his appeal against his dismissal as head of referee development.
Dallas was sacked last month following an internal investigation into the circulation of an email relating to the Pope's visit to Scotland.
Reports claim Dallas received a letter on Christmas Eve telling him his reinstatement was "not in the public interest". His appeal was due to be heard by SFA president George Peat.
The Catholic Church had called on the SFA to sack Dallas if it is proved he sent the "deeply offensive" email.
The SFA have refused to comment on the issue other than to confirm last month an investigation was launched and that the matter was being dealt with internally in line with the governing body's IT policy.
Former World Cup referee Dallas still has recourse to take the SFA to an employment tribunal.
Source: PA
