Fresh speculation is surrounding the future of Moray MP Douglas Ross’s future on the football pitch.
The Conservative politician has sparked controversy by continuing his second job as a match official following his election to Westminster in June.
Last week, critics reacted furiously when Mr Ross missed a parliamentary debate on changes to the benefits system to serve as a linesman for a Champions League game in Barcelona.
Over the weekend, rumours emerged that the politician is planning to take weeks off from his parliamentary duties to work at the World Cup in Russia next summer.
And it was claimed that the MP is planning to quit his second job after the tournament amid mounting backlash over the pursuit.
Last night, Mr Ross refused to confirm or deny the rumours and pledged to set the record straight later this week.
If Mr Ross takes part in next year’s World Cup, which begins on June 14, he could miss up to five weeks of parliament before the summer recess in July.
His critics in the SNP have demanded that the former Moray councillor choose between continuing with the sideline and “properly representing his constituents”.
SNP MP Drew Hendry said: “The time has arrived for Douglas Ross to choose between properly representing his constituents or continuing as a referee.
“It is one thing for parliamentarians to have outside interests – it is quite another for them to so blatantly ignore their parliamentary duties.”
It has been claimed that senior Tory politicians would expect Mr Ross to retire from the world of football following the high-profile assignment.
It is understood that were he to quit the post now, it would scupper Scotland’s chances of sending officials to the World Cup as members cannot be swapped in.
Mr Ross worked as assistant referee for the Betfred Cup semi-final clash between Celtic and Hibs on Saturday.
He has previously defended his decision to continue with his “hobby”.
Mr Ross said: “I believe that if you’ve got an MP who can go hillwalking on a Saturday, or have another hobby, then I can continue my hobby of being abused by 22 footballers on a Saturday afternoon.”
