Scottish FA president Rod Petrie has temporarily stepped down from his post on advice of doctors on health grounds. 

The former Hibs chairman will be replaced by current vice-president Mike Mulraney as he recovers from illness amid the coronavirus pandemic. Mulraney, owner of Scottish Championship club Alloa Athletic, told of his support for Petrie in a statement released this evening.

And he revealed he would continue to work closely with SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell in a bid to ensure Scottish football comes through the pandemic, with the Premiership set for a return on August 1.

 Mulraney said: "On behalf of the Scottish FA board, our people and Scottish football as a whole, I would like to wish Rod a speedy recovery.  Rod has been a pillar of strength to the association throughout this COVID-19 pandemic and to me as Vice-President. It is now our turn to support Rod through his recovery.

"We look forward to seeing him back to full health soon but in the meantime I will work closely with our Chief Executive, Ian Maxwell, to continue to steer Scottish football through the uncertainty caused by COVID-19. 

"I would ask that everyone respects Rod’s request for privacy during his recovery period."

Petrie was elected president of the SFA last year, unopposed, when he replaced Alan McRae. It is intended Petrie will return to his role on recovery.

The news of Petrie's temporary departure comes after the president green-lit Project Restart in a bid to get Scottish football back on track through Covid-19. We told recently how clubs were given the go-ahead by ministers to begin full contact training ahead of the top-flight return.

In a statement the SFA and SPFL's Joint Response Group confirmed the news, saying: “The Joint Response group can now confirm ministers have formally approved full contact training for Scottish Premier clubs.

"We would therefore encourage clubs to inform all team staff as soon as possible to facilitate the updated guidance and clarify that the approval for full contact training is inclusive of all Phase 4 requirements outlined in the JRG return to training protocols that were reissued on Friday.

"Ministers have underlined that this return to full contact training is subject to observing public health measures, including testing.”