FIFA has refused Maltese fans permission to put on a choreographed show involving smoke machines and paper cannons ahead of tonight's World Cup qualifier against Scotland, members of the South End Core have said. 

Mr Agius' Facebook post.

In a post uploaded to Facebook, Louis Agius said football's governing body had turned down fans' application despite all the necessary paperwork, "including specifications and health and safety documentation," having been provided. 

Mr Agius said that FIFA had forbidden fans from using paper cannons despite them having already been used in games against Portugal and Albania. 

Scotland's Tartan Army are considered some of international football's most colourful fans. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

"We are disappointed as this would have been surely one spectacle that would have added to the fantastic atmosphere expected at the stadium," Mr Agius wrote.

He however assured spectators that despite the setback, fans had a mystery "Plan B" in pace.  Mr Agius also thanked Malta Football Association Tanya Gravina for her help. 

Malta play Scotland tonight at Ta' Qali in the opening fixture of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Some 5,000 Scottish fans are expected to fill the national stadium at Ta' Qali, with the Tartan Army having also announced a £5,000 donation to Puttinu Cares. The game kicks off at 8.45pm. 

Malta fans are hoping for a good showing by the national team. Photo: John Walker

Scottish fans have filled their Ta' Qali enclosure. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi