TARTAN Army chiefs have blasted Fifa after a late U‑turn banning fans from bringing reusable water bottles into World Cup stadiums, despite warnings supporters face an “elevated risk of extreme heat” in Miami.
Scotland fans with tickets for World Cup 2026 matches were emailed by world football’s governing body this week with an “updated stadium code of conduct.”
Fifa has performed a complete reversal on their previous policy of allowing fans to bring their own bottles in and fill them up at the ground.
The Fifa communication told Scottish fans: "Please note that reusable water bottles are no longer permitted at the World Cup stadiums."
It means Scotland fans – who have already shelled out thousands of pounds on tickets, flights and accommodation – will now need to buy bottled water inside the venues.
Fifa is yet to confirm stadium drinks prices.
An Association of Tartan Army Clubs statement said: "We are extremely disappointed by Fifa's decision to ban reusable water bottles from stadiums.
"Throughout months of planning meetings, we were repeatedly told that supporter welfare - and in particular proper hydration in hot conditions - was a priority.
"This decision directly contradicts those assurances.
"This was reinforced to us on a call with Miami Host City organisers just last week.
"Preventing fans from bringing in even an empty reusable bottle is unnecessary, counter‑productive, and places tens of thousands of supporters at risk of dehydration.
"It also undermines basic sustainability commitments that Fifa themselves have promoted.
"We urge Fifa to reconsider this decision and allow supporters to bring empty reusable bottles into stadiums so they can access safe drinking water throughout the match.
"Supporter welfare must come first."
Scotland play their first two group games in Boston against Haiti and Morocco, before heading south to Florida to face Brazil in the searing heat and humidity of Miami.
Tartan Army chiefs have already been advised by local authorities not to stage marches in the city because of the extreme conditions.
A recent report singled out Miami as placing players and fans at an “elevated risk of extreme heat” due to soaring temperatures.
Historical weather data for the Brazil clash on June 24 points to a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature of around 90 degrees at the 6pm local kick‑off time.
University of Nebraska professor of geography and geology Daniel Vecellio warned: "Precautions will need to be taken to ensure players and fans' health and safety.
"Extreme heat persists in Miami right throughout the day. Recent studies suggest it's normal for Miami's WBGT temperatures to hover around 79 degrees as late as 8pm.
"Some teams playing in Miami, like Scotland, will be less accustomed to these conditions and therefore there is an elevated risk of extreme heat for player welfare."
Fifa's previous stadium code of conduct stated: "For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 litre) capacity, may be brought into the Stadium.”
However, the updated version now reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium.”
Fifa defended the change of policy by stating: "The decision has been made to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees."
Fifa has publicly confirmed its World Cup bottle policy change, banning reusable bottles in stadiums on safety grounds
