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Scottish Football Association (SFA) chief executive Stewart Regan believes the proposed strike by referees next weekend will only delay long-awaited changes at the SFA.

Scotland's category one officials are planning to strike over the constant criticism they have received and amid growing fears over their personal safety.

Regan, who is in the middle of drawing up plans to overhaul the SFA's disciplinary procedures, now finds himself fire-fighting on another front.

He vowed to find a resolution to avert this weekend's action, although he is pressing ahead with plans to find replacements if the strike goes ahead.

However, Regan insisted that his plans to revamp the SFA will have to be put on hold until the referees' dispute is settled.

He said: "I am in discussions with the Scottish Senior Football Referees' Association and share their view that recent public comments have not been helpful.

"I have been astonished by the unhealthy level of interest in elements of football in this country that ought to be peripheral.

"I have made a commitment to reviewing certain aspects of the Scottish FA's internal operations and have been trying to finalise initiatives I believe can help improve the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the governing body.

"I need space and support to finalise these proposals and have already received board approval in this regard.

"The raft of ongoing issues played out in the media will only delay this process and I believe there is a responsibility on all of us to try to move forward and create a more positive climate.

"In the meantime, I reiterate my support to the referees in this country, who provide a fantastic service in very difficult – and now seemingly impossible – circumstances."

Regan revealed he has begun a search for officials for the weekend's matches in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and other senior fixtures.

He added: "While we remain hopeful that the situation can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction, we have no option but to draw up contingency plans, which will involve sourcing match officials in other countries."