Renfrewshire Council could be asked to look into creating a fan zone during next year’s World Cup as Scotland’s men’s team prepare to contest the tournament for the first time in 28 years.
A request for officers to “assess the feasibility” of the idea and report their findings to elected members will be put forward at next Thursday’s full council meeting.
It follows last month’s heroics when Steve Clarke’s side netted twice in stoppage time, through Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean, to down Denmark 4-2 at Hampden Park and top their qualifying group.
SNP councillor Jim Paterson, who has submitted the motion with the support of party colleague, Councillor Andy Steel, said: “Scotland qualifying for the World Cup is a huge moment and there is already a real sense of excitement building across Scotland.
“A Renfrewshire fan zone would give fans the opportunity to support the team in a safe and welcoming environment, but it needs to be looked at properly, which is my motivation for putting forward the motion requesting officers consider the feasibility.”
READ MORE:
Women's World Cup could be hosted in two Scottish stadiums
National Trust calls for the home of Scottish football to be saved
Hampden Park to be given new name as sponsorship move branded 'shameful'
How Clydebank are making a name for themselves in Scottish football once more
If the motion secures the support of the chamber, the detail of the proposal would be ironed out through a report which would be presented at the relevant policy board.
It’s expected the focus of any initiative, if it is to proceed, would be on Scotland’s matches but the viability and demand for a wider programme could be considered through the feasibility work.
The text, which will be discussed at the meeting next week, states: “Council welcomes the achievement of the Scotland men’s national team in qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and notes the sense of pride and community spirit this has generated across Scotland.
“To help residents share in the tournament and support wider participation in sport, council asks officers to assess the feasibility of creating a Renfrewshire fan zone during the World Cup and to report back to the next appropriate policy board.”
Scotland will learn their opponents for the group stage of the competition on Friday, with the draw taking place in Washington DC.
It will be the biggest World Cup yet, with 48 teams set to take part – representing an expansion from the previous format of 32.
Share