GLASGOW (AFP) - Scottish football bosses averted a potential strike by the country's Referees Association after agreeing a new pay structure for officials on Tuesday.

The Scottish Senior Referees Association wanted to increase their fee of 575 pounds (726 euros) per Scottish Premier League match and were considering strike action ahead of the new SPL season, which starts this weekend.

But after lengthy talks on Monday and Tuesday, the situation has been resolved, with officials now paid a new maximum fee of 800 pounds (1,000 euros) per match.

"The SSFRA agreed the figure of 800/400/200 pounds as the accepted fee structure for SPL Games for the coming season. This allows the season to begin as scheduled on Saturday," leading referee Stuart Dougal said.

"We have further agreed to engage in a benchmarking process with appropriate European Leagues. We are confident that we will not only secure but enhance the 800 pounds figure we initially proposed."

Scottish FA Chief Executive Gordon Smith added: "I am delighted that both parties have agreed a way forward on this issue.

"The benchmarking exercise that will take place over the next six weeks will allow everyone to work together and the Scottish FA is more than happy to be a part of this process.

"Above all, I am glad that the SPL season will begin as planned on Saturday. Nobody wants to see our national game disrupted in any way."