The Scottish Football Association (SFA) is discussing its rules on betting, but chief executive Stewart Regan warned that strict regulations were needed to stave off the prospect of match-fixing.

A number of players were surprised to discover that Scottish FA rules prevented them from betting on any football match around the world when Rangers midfielder Ian Black was handed a notice of complaint earlier in the season.

Black served a three-match ban after admitting gambling on matches involving his own team, including three bets on his then club not to win, and was given a censure for betting on more than 100 other matches.

The rules forbidding players from making any bets on football have been criticised as being too Draconian but Regan warned that the spectre of match-fixing had to be considered.

Regan, who launched an anti-corruption hotline for players yesterday, said: “It’s a matter for the professional game board.

“It’s a topic that is under consideration at present. There have been a number of discussions on it and no doubt there will continue to be discussions.

“But clearly the threat to the game posed by match-fixing and corruption and other forms of betting is such that we recognised the risk to football in Scotland, and the SFA will do everything in its power to prevent that risk gaining a foothold into the game.”