It is the latest stage in an inquiry set up just over a year ago, at a time when three SPL clubs were in administration and the total debt of top-flight outfits was estimated to be around £200million.

The report stated, “Two major themes emerged from the committee’s consultation so far.

“First, that the status quo is not the best possible option for the structure of Scottish football.

“Second, there is a need for a stronger national governing body, fulfilling a wider leadership and directional role.

“Most of the bodies or individuals who expressed this view did so from the rationale that currently there are too many bodies competing for control of different aspects of Scottish football and that this is counter-productive.”

The report notes that the Scottish Football Association has responded to calls for reform, including the commissioning in 2002 of a consultancy to review youth football.

That led to the publication of a report recommending the role of the SFA be expanded to one of overall leadership and strategic direction of Scottish football.

The inquiry, led by north-east MSP Richard Baker, has also looked at Scottish football’s “fraught” financing — noting that at the end of the 2002/03 season, half of SPL clubs were technically insolvent.

In some of the evidence received, the opinion was expressed that the Scottish Football League is far more effective and fair in redistributing revenues to its member clubs.

The previous arrangement, when SPL clubs were members of that organisation, was seen as more equitable, although many acknowledged that a return to the previous set-up was not a realistic option.

Regarding infrastructure, the MSPs noted that providing decent facilities would be “one of the key challenges in maximising the benefits that participation in football can bring.”

The report stated, “Organisations and individuals spoken to…generally considered that a lack of adequate facilities at grassroots/local level was a key, if not the most important, issue affecting the development of football in Scotland.

“While people generally welcomed the investment in regional facilities, there was a clear demand for improved local facilities.

“Local authorities were highlighted by many as the key sector which could act to increase provision.”

The findings of the interim report were based on meetings held by Mr Baker with many of the main organisations in Scotland. More than 25 different written submissions were also received, stating a range of views on a game “central to our culture in Scotland.”

The document sets out a series of 25 questions about the future of the game — and it’s hoped fans will make their voices heard as the inquiry continues.

Speaking at the launch today, Mr Baker told The Evening Telegraph, “I think this can be really important.

“Yes, we need to hear from organisations involved in football, but we want to hear from fans as well.

“Whether it is the form of Dundee United on the pitch or the financial situation of Dundee, a lot of people in Dundee in particular will have strong opinions about the future of Scottish football.

“The financial state of football is still of great concern, and we want to hear fans’ ideas on how we can get more people involved in clubs and going to matches.

“There are more fans’ organisations these days, like Dee For Life, but fans are still very rarely asked their opinions about Scottish football.

“These are often the people who know, who have the right ideas.”

It is expected that a final report will be published by the Parliament’s Enterprise and Culture Committee some time in the summer.