Supporters of Scotland will be able to wear their traditional kilts with full pride at the World Cup.
The Scottish Football Association confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with FIFA allowing sporrans — the customary fur or leather pouch worn at the front of a kilt — to be brought into stadiums, even though they normally conflict with U.S. venue security regulations. The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Scotland have been placed in Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti, with two matches scheduled in Boston and one in Miami.
“FIFA have confirmed that sporrans will be allowed into stadiums after standard security checks and inspections, and we will continue working with them to brief matchday staff ahead of welcoming supporters to Boston and Miami,” said Scottish FA spokesperson Graeme Thewliss.
World Cup regulations currently limit spectators to clear transparent bags or small purses roughly half the size of a normal sporran.
This had raised worries among Scotland fans who feared losing an essential and symbolic part of their national dress. Kilts, which resemble knee-length skirts, have no pockets, meaning fans rely on sporrans to carry personal items.
“The ticketing and membership team at the Scottish FA remain in close communication with tournament organizers to ensure Scotland supporters are welcomed at venues just as they have been across the world,” Thewliss added.
Large numbers of Scotland fans — known collectively as the Tartan Army — are expected to travel to the United States as the nation returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
