Champions League official Craig Thomson believes Scotland's loss will be another association's gain after Hugh Dallas left his role as head of referees development.
Dallas reportedly told BBC Scotland he had been sacked by the Scottish Football Association following an internal investigation into a controversial email relating to the Pope.
Thomson said: "I'm sure Hugh can still contribute. He is so well respected in European terms, there will be someone who will snap him up, whether it's in UEFA or another European country. I have been in European countries often enough to know that."
The SFA have made no direct comment on the situation with reports claiming another four members of staff had lost their jobs amid the ongoing disciplinary process.
Former World Cup referee Dallas is said to be distraught over the outcome and the news came as a further blow to Scotland's referees as they carried through their weekend of strike action in protest over their recent treatment.
Thomson is well placed to know how highly Dallas is regarded in European circles. The Paisley referee has been given some high-profile matches in recent months, including the abandoned Euro 2012 qualifier between Italy and Serbia.
He also took charge of the controversial Champions League tie between Real Madrid and Ajax in midweek, when Spain internationals Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos were accused of deliberately picking up suspensions.
Thomson added: "There are not many World Cup finalists within our game.
"The coaching experience he can pass on to referees is immeasurable, particularly to guys involved in European games."
SFA president George Peat could not elaborate on the matter as he would be in charge of any appeals should the employees concerned decide to challenge the decision. And Stewart Regan, the SFA's chief executive, also refused to comment directly on the subject other than to insist that his plans for reforming the organisation would not be derailed by a turbulent week.
Source: PA
