The Scottish FA’s Chief Football Officer, Andy Gould, will depart to take up a new position with FIFA.

He will leave the association after more than 30 years to join FIFA as a High Performance Specialist (HPS).

Andy joined as Football Development Officer in Stirling in 1995, becoming Head of Football Development and, most recently, CFO.

He has been integral to the publication of the recent Transition Report and Review of Football Development.

“While I’m excited to be taking on a new role with FIFA, I will be sad to leave the Scottish FA.

“I’ve had the privilege to work in numerous development roles within Scottish football since 1995, and have enjoyed the opportunity to make a difference to the game I love.

“My passion has always been to help the game grow and for people to thrive and succeed through football. I leave with hope and optimism of improved opportunities to play and increased talent coming through to support national team success.

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive: “Andy is a popular and respected member of staff, who has served the association, and Scottish football in general, with distinction.

“He can be proud of his work across 30 years, from the grassroots game to the elite, and it’s been pleasing to see the recent stats that show the benefit of the cooperation system that he helped introduce.

“Our loss will be FIFA’s gain, but I’ve no doubt he will continue to fly the flag for Scotland.”