How much money Scotland missed out on after World Cup KO as chief reckons Ireland fan chant sums up plight

Ian Maxwell admits Scotland's loss to Ukraine has had effects on the continued development of the game as the SFA chief executive opened up on the financial implications of failing to reach the Qatar World Cup.

Maxwell was asked what more could be done to bridge the gap between the men's game and women's game in Scotland after several members of Pedro Martinez-Losa's side expressed their concerns over ticketing at Hampden ahead of a clash with Spain in April.

And he revealed the gut-wrenching financial effects of Scotland's World Cup play off semi final loss to Ukraine earlier this month.

Speaking to BBC Sportsound, he said: "The money's similar to the Euros. I think the Euros was 9.5million euros for qualification.

"I think the World Cup was 9.5million dollars so it's actually probably a little bit less given the exchange rate.

"We don't lose it because we don't budget for it."

However despite not budgeting for it, Maxwell detailed just what the qualification money would've done to help the game grow in Scotland.

He added: "That money's fundamental in terms of we've got the core structure of our association but what we need to do to grow the game is go and do the bigger and better.

"The Ukraine game was just so disappointing so it took everybody a long time to get over that.

"You think about the knock on's, you think about the impact, you think about the things like 'if we get there we can do...' but we just need to focus on the next one."

Maxwell also reckons criticism aimed at Clarke has been harsh and insists there has been undeniable progress under the former Kilmarnock boss.

He said: "That is the society we are in. Everybody wants things to change instantly. Everybody can comment on something instantly.