In an email sent on Friday, he refers to one club having publicly called for a suspension of all football.

However, it appears Maxwell may have interpreted comments from manager John Robertson as an official endorsement from Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The Highland club have told BBC Scotland they are not in favour of a temporary pause.

Earlier this week, Robertson told the media he was “worried about 26 players” under his charge, along with their families.

“One interview in the media this week prompted a wide-ranging discussion at the Joint Response Group meeting on the ongoing impact of the virus,” Maxwell said in a statement.

“Specifically to those who continue to play and coach within the elite sporting exemption afforded to football. “Given the need for the Championship clubs to undertake a considerable testing regime in order to continue, there was a strong view that Championship clubs should be asked to confirm or otherwise their willingness to play on during the initial three-week suspension.”

Maxwell added his intention was “intended to demonstrate our willingness to listen and be responsive”.

All Scottish football below the top two tiers has been suspended for a minimum of three weeks because of a surge in Covid-19 cases.

Championship clubs have been allowed to continue their truncated 27-game season, which began in mid-October, on the condition that they test players and staff weekly for Covid-19.

Maxwell wrote in the email: “One SPFL championship club has publicly taken the position that all football should be suspended.

“The Scottish FA would like to understand the position of your club… please confirm if you are content to continue under the current exemption or whether your club considers that the Championship should be suspended.”