The Scottish FA are saddened to hear about the death of former FIFA and category 1 referee Kenny Hope.

Kenny, who was aged 80, was admitted to the Scottish FA list of referees in 1966, progressing to Category 1 in 1974 where he remained until he retired in 1991.

In his 17 years as a Category 1 referee, he refereed one Scottish Cup Final, one Scottish League Cup Final and one Challenge Cup Final

Kenny was a FIFA referee for 12 seasons, in 1978 and 1979 and then from 1980 to 1990. Throughout that period, he took charge of a number of European and international matches across FIFA and UEFA competitions.

During his time as an official, Kenny also represented Scotland as a referee at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul.

Following his retirement, he became a UEFA Referee Observer and Scottish FA Referee Observer before continuing as a Development Advisor to younger referees in Scotland.

Head of Referee Operations Crawford Allan said: “Kenny was universally respected throughout the game by players and managers alike and his dedication to the game cannot be understated.

“During his career, he was deservedly appointed to officiate several high-profile matches including the 1987 Scottish Cup Final which is testament to his abilities.

“After retiring, Kenny mentored up and coming referees across the country, further outlining his desire and dedication to contribute positively to the game in Scotland. He was eager to pass on advice to a group of people desperate to follow in his footsteps and referee on the biggest stages.

“On behalf of everyone at the Scottish FA and the refereeing community we pass on our condolences to Kenny’s friends and family, including his brother Douglas. Kenny will be fondly remembered and his contribution will never be forgotten.”

Kenny Hope – Summary of key Scottish matches

1986-87 Scottish Cup Final: St. Mirren v Dundee United

1982-83 Scottish League Cup Final: Celtic v Rangers

1990-91 Scottish League Challenge Cup Final: Ayr United v Dundee

Notable International and Club Fixtures

1982 UEFA U18 Youth Championship matches

1987 FIFA U16 Youth Championship matches

1981-82 European Cup Winners’ Cup: FC Barcelona v. FK Trakia Plovdiv.

1985-86 UEFA Cup: Athletic Cub Bilbao v. Besiktas

1988 Olympic Games

1990-91 UEFA Cup: AS Monaco v. Odessa