GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) – Scotland supporters will be able to don the traditional kilt of glory at the World Cup.
The Scottish Football Association told The Associated Press on Wednesday that it had reached an agreement with FIFA to allow the wearing of sporrans (traditional fur or leather pouches worn in front of kilts) at matches, despite violating safety restrictions on stadium admissions in the United States, which is co-hosted with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Scotland have drawn with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti in Group C and will play two games in Boston and one in Miami.
Scottish FA spokesperson Graham Thewlis said: “FIFA has confirmed that Sporran will be allowed into the stadium following standard search and screening procedures and will continue to work with the Scottish FA to educate matchday staff as they prepare to welcome fans to Boston and Miami.”
Officials are restricting World Cup ticket holders to bringing only transparent see-through bags, or small bags about half the size of a typical Sporan.
This caused concern among Scottish supporters who feared they would be denied an important and decorative part of their kilt costume. The kilt, which resembled a knee-length skirt, had no pockets, so the wearer carried personal belongings in an attached sporran.
“The Scottish FA’s ticketing and membership team is in ongoing dialogue with competition organizers to ensure that Scottish fans are welcomed into venues as they have always been around the world,” Mr Thewlis said.
A large number of Scotland fans – collectively known as the ‘Tartans’ – are expected to travel to the US for Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998.
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