The Tartan Army is livid as sporrans, the traditional kilt pouch, could be banned from US stadiums at the World Cup as they are too big
Scottish football fans have told Fifa bigwigs to keep their “hands off our sporrans”.
The Tartan Army is raging after it emerged the traditional clothing accessory could be banned from US stadiums at this year’s World Cup. Talks are under way between Fifa and officials in the States over whether the classic kilt pouch would allowed this summer.
Under current rules, small bags must measure no more than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches – almost half the size of many sporrans. Hamish Husband, of the Association of Tartan Army Clubs, said it would be an affront to Scots supporters if sporrans were banned and authorities should “keep their hands off them”.
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He fumed: “No self-respecting Scotsman feels complete without his kilt and sporran. I’m glad Fifa is treating this seriously because for us it is a serious matter.”
The SFA confirmed that it is in discussions with Fifa over the matter and is lobbying for traditional Scottish items such as sporrans to be allowed into the grounds.
Paul Goodwin, co-founder of the Scottish Football Supporters Association, said the group is also appealing to football’s governing body “to relax the rules around taking sporrans into games”. He said: “We have now contacted Fifa directly on this matter and we will also raise it at the next UK Government’s stakeholder meeting that meets for planning around the Fifa World Cup 2026. We do hope that sense prevails and that this key element of our national dress makes it into the venues.”
Steve Clarke’s men will play Haiti and Morocco at the Gillette Stadium near Boston in June followed by a glamour clash with Brazil in Miami. But under strict stadium bag policies, sporrans would be deemed too large to be allowed in and would have to either be left in lockers outside the grounds or chucked away.
A spokesperson for the Gillette Stadium said: “We are working with Fifa on what items may be permitted, including the sporran. Once we have more information regarding this policy, we will be able to let those who have inquired know what will be allowed.”