Bobby Madden is being forced to sell his home to settle a bill with HMRC.
Last season the East Kilbride based whistler appeared to be promoted as the top referee in the country by getting the bulk of the top fixtures including two out of five Celtic v Sevco derbies.
Madden gave up his day job in 2016 to concentrate full time on refereeing and is now dependent on the SFA and UEFA to make ends meet.
No details are given as to the reason for Madden’s tax bill but it’s likely to have been caused by the lucrative fees that officials get from international appointments.
The Daily Record reports Madden telling the court: “After discussion with HMRC where I was told that full payment would prevent sequestration, I went to set about selling property, which is a house.
“That was on May 25 and the full completion of the house sale is expected on July 27.
“I would be asking for a continuation to then to allow me to pay my full outstanding liability and expenses to HMRC.
“I spoke with lawyers and they are confident that the sale will go through.”
Anji McMullen, representing HMRC, said: “I’m ultimately in my Lord’s hands because the extension is within the time allowed but if it is not done by that time then I will be moving for sequestration.”
With one of their leading officials having debt issues it would seem sensible of the SFA to remove Madden from high profile matches in order that he gets his life and finances sorted out.
Now that his financial problems are public knowledge more pressure is likely to be put on Madden.
At present the SPFL pays referees around £1,000 per Premiership match as well as generous expenses.
Last season Madden refereed in 36 domestic matches and four European games.
Between December 30 and January 27 he refereed Celtic v Sevco, Sevco v Aberdeen and Celtic v Hibs.
