diff --git a/.upgradenotes/MDL-83718-2025030316100672.yml b/.upgradenotes/MDL-83718-2025030316100672.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..74d5c9ca5fb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.upgradenotes/MDL-83718-2025030316100672.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+issueNumber: MDL-83718
+notes:
+  core_reportbuilder:
+    - message: >-
+        For columns implementing custom sorting via their `set_is_sortable`
+        method, the specified sort fields must also be part of the columns
+        initially selected fields
+      type: changed
diff --git a/reportbuilder/classes/local/report/column.php b/reportbuilder/classes/local/report/column.php
index aa603e0707e..839ddb125fa 100644
--- a/reportbuilder/classes/local/report/column.php
+++ b/reportbuilder/classes/local/report/column.php
@@ -563,7 +563,7 @@ final class column {
      * Sets the column as sortable
      *
      * @param bool $issortable
-     * @param array $sortfields Define the fields that should be used when the column is sorted, typically a subset of the fields
+     * @param array $sortfields Define the fields that should be used when the column is sorted. Must be a subset of the fields
      *      selected for the column, via {@see add_field}. If omitted then the first selected field is used
      * @return self
      */