Tartan Army fans have been banned from bringing in water bottles to World Cup games after a FIFA u-turn....despite a report stating they are at 'elevated risk of extreme heat' when they go to Miami.
Scotland fans who have tickets for the World Cup games this month received an email from world football's governing body this week advising them of the 'updated stadium code of conduct.'
And FIFA have performed a complete reversal on their previous policy of fans being able to bring their own water bottles into the stadiums and fill them up.
The FIFA communication told Scottish fans: "Please note that reusable water bottles are no longer permitted at the World Cup stadiums."
Now Scotland fans - who have already forked out thousands of pounds on tickets, as well as flights and accommodation - will have to purchase bottled water in the stadium. FIFA have yet to announce stadium prices on beverages.
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 games in Boston against Haiti and Morocco, before moving south to Florida to face Brazil in the sizzling heat and humidity of Miami.
Tartan Army chiefs have already been advised by local authorities not to organise marches because of the extreme conditions.
And last month, Miami was singled out in a report that warned that players and fans were at an 'elevated risk of extreme heat' because of soaring temperatures.
Historical weather data for the game against Brazil on June 24 suggests a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature - a measure of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation - of 90 degrees at local 6pm kick off time.
University of Nebraska professor in geography and geology, Daniel Vecellio, said: "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."
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FIFA's previous 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, their updated version now reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium.”
FIFA defended their change of policy. They stated: "The decision has been made to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.
"We work closely with each Host City Committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans travelling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents, and more around the stadium footprint.
“Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium."
