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The start of the Scottish Premier League this weekend could be delayed because of a strike threat from the country's Referees' Association (SRA), reports BBC. The SPL is meeting the SRA at Hampden Park on Tuesday in an attempt to resolve a pay row, with the referees demanding a 39% pay rise.
It is believed the referees have been promised £600 a match - a £25 increase - but they are holding out for £800.
The referees met with the SPL on Monday without agreement.
On his way into Tuesday's meeting, chairman of the SRA Stuart Dougal, a grade one official, said there was "a willingness to work towards a resolution".
And SPL chairman Lex Gold said earlier: "We had a positive meeting on Monday, there is another set up to sort out the details and we expect it to be resolved before the end of play on Tuesday."
Referees in Scotland do not get an annual retainer unlike their English Premier League counterparts who receive £33,000 plus £300 per match in fees.
Former Scottish referee Kenny Clark believes the pressures that come with job is the primary reason why officials should get a better deal.
"There are not any referees who will suggest they should get paid anything like what the players get," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"This is about giving some acknowledgment to the pressures they are under, and their families are under when it comes to media scrutiny.
"We are being asked to be professional, even though were amateur, in the way we conduct ourselves and we just want an increase in fees. In Greece, Norway and Holland they're getting paid more."
Jim Trainer, head of sport at the Daily Record, also agreed that the row is not just all about money.
"They do believe they are worth more money because of the pressure they are under now but they want the authorities to understand they need to be protected from chairman and managers who question their honesty and integrity," he said.
"We are at the stage where referees are pilloried far too often now. It's unfair. When managers start saying openly that a referee has cheated, then we need to sit down and think again.
"The referees are attempting to flex some muscle because they feel, and have done for a number of seasons, that they are not given the proper support and backing from the Scottish Football Association and the people who run the SPL.
"There is the real threat that they will not do the games this Saturday and I think there are a lot of fans that do support referees on this.
"The SPL will have to come to some sort of compromise because they cannot delay the start of the season."
The new season kicks off this Saturday, with Rangers travelling to Falkirk in the opening game at 1230 BST.
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